Iraq - Il Foglio

The balancing act in Baghdad

Following the US withdrawal, Iraq is attempting to bring weapons back under state control without severing ties with Iran

Prime Minister al-Zaidi must convince Tehran that, for the sake of the country’s stability, the nature of Iranian influence needs to be redefined. Iraq’s dual challenge: containing the security fallout and managing the crisis on the diplomatic front

Ali al Mikdam

e Gisella Ligios

16 OCT 26

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi – photo: LaPresse

drones and missiles

In Iraq, the new geometry of the ‘axis of resistance’ is taking shape

Iran has figured out how to strike its enemies through proxy states: smaller cells of fighters that are more easily controlled by Tehran

Luca Gambardella

15 SEP 26

In Iraq, the new geometry of the ‘axis of resistance’ is taking shape

Future challenges

Ankara may be the most important stop in al-Zaidi’s foreign policy

Following visits to Washington, Doha and Tehran, for Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, the stop in Turkey presents a different challenge: to ascertain whether his country can turn its geographical position into lasting economic influence. A convergence of interests

Ali al Mikdam

29 JUL 26

Zaidi is going to Washington

A precarious balance. What will change in Iraq following al-Zaidi’s visit to Trump?

Backed by the US President but supported at home by figures close to the regime in Tehran, the young Iraqi leader is seeking an economic agreement with the US without fuelling tensions

Shelly Kittleson

17 JUL 26

Al Zaidi and Trump at the White House (Getty image)

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