Qassem Soleimani
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Al-Kadhimi’s slow strategy for salvaging Iraq
Tehran retains both economic and security dominance over Iraq. The new prime minister in Baghdad, Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, came to power on a wave of anti-Iranian sentiment and is working to slowly chip away at the institutions that secure Iran’s stranglehold. To achieve that goal, however, he will need his supporters to win the upcoming elections and backing from Washington.
Iraq’s new prime minister: What lies ahead (Part 2)
During his first month in office, Mustafa Al-Kadhimi has laid out a bold agenda on Iraq’s economy and security. But finding success will be much more challenging. Al-Kadhimi must keep Iran-backed militias at bay, while managing the future presence of U.S. troops and the lingering threat of the Islamic State. ...
Iraq’s new prime minister: What lies ahead (Part 1)
Mustafa Al-Kadhimi — British citizen, former news columnist, and ex-intelligence chief — has now improbably risen to Iraq’s highest office. His opening was created thanks partly to the weakness of Iran, which is dealing with an economic crisis and the recent loss of General Qassem Soleimani to an American drone strike. In his first few ...
Opinion: Examining Iran’s strengths and weaknesses
Iran’s state has never been both as strong and as weak as it is now. Its strength comes from its influence in the region. Tehran wields tremendous sway over the governments in Baghdad, Sana’a, Beirut and Damascus. Yet Iran is facing discontent at home and among its neighbors, as protests ...
Near-term scenarios for the U.S.-Iran competition
Reports that the recent U.S. and Iranian attacks against each other are leading to war significantly exaggerate the situation. Each country’s moves are part of long-standing strategies focused on influencing the other’s behavior. As such, similar activities can be expected in the near future. A military conflict, however, would benefit ...
