Reflections on Iraq’s October Elections : The Good, the Bad, and the Still Unknown

The election results testify the frustrations of a majority of Iraqis affiliated with the militia parties. They expressed their political will by refusing to vote.

Where is Muqtada al-Sadr taking Iraq?

Sunday 12th of June, Muqtada al-Sadr ordered his 73-member parliamentary bloc to resign on Sunday after failing to form a majority government. The move, it is claimed, was intended to end eight months of political paralysis, but it rather stunned the system.

The Maliki leaks: the Shadow Culture of Politics in Iraq

Five recording tapes on a one-hour conversation between the former head of the Iraqi government, Nouri al-Maliki and his inner circle were recently leaked, leading to controversy in the country. Even if Nouri al-Maliki denies their authenticity, according to Sardar Aziz, these tapes depict the Iraqi elites’ state of mind, psyche and offer a glimpse into their closed-off world.

Iraq’s Heist of the Century

The news of the theft of 2.5 billion US$ shocked the country prior to the handover of the money to the government. In this piece, I attempt to demonstrate the nature and complexities of such an event. What was the source of the money, and how was it obtained? I reflect on who is behind it and what political system allows this to happen.

Prigojine model in Iraq: From Wagner to Hachd al-Chaabi

Is Iraq able to build the development road?

Discover Sardar Aziz’s fascinating analysis of Iraq’s Development Road project! Inspired by the region’s complex history, this ambitious project aims to link Asia and Europe. But what are the political stakes behind this initiative? Immerse yourself in this captivating article and explore the many facets of this strategic project. Sardar Aziz, an enlightened researcher, offers an insightful look at the question of development and democracy in this exciting context.

The border between Iraq and Kuwait: the origins of the controversy

Dr Sardar Aziz reports for CFRI on the controversy sparked off in Iraq by the displacement of the population of a neighborhood located right on the border with Kuwait. The relationship between the two countries, poisoned on both sides by historical resentment, is being instrumentalized for political and ideological ends.

Why Kirkuk has been once again plagued by violence.

The stability of Kirkuk greatly contributes to the stability of Iraq, explains Dr Sardar Aziz in his analysis of the recent violent events which took place in this city of Northern Iraq

Iraqi Federalism: the second-best option for everyone

In his analysis for CFRI, Sardar Aziz delves into the ongoing debate in Iraq regarding federalism, examining its diverse definitions and exploring its implications on various communities. Aziz contends that while federalism may not be the primary preference for any community, it emerges as a potential secondary option for all.

Iran-Iraq Railwaying the Border

At CFRI, Sardar Aziz examines the far-reaching implications arising from the Iranian burgeoning infrastructure initiatives within Iraq, with a specific focus on the transformative potential of railway networks connecting the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean.