Ali Mahmoud

Articles by this Author

The national flags of Iraq and Iran.

Middle East Forum Observer

Iraqi Prime Minister Zaidi Promised Washington Distance from Iran. His Cabinet Says Otherwise

A Government That Begins Without Defense and Interior Ministers Cannot Credibly Offer Washington Major Security Commitments

May 18, 2026

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Baghdad, Iraq, in a March 2025 file photo.

Middle East Forum Observer

Iraq’s Prime Minister-Designate Signals His Loyalty to Iran

Ali Al-Zaidi’s Remarks Suggest That He Will Subordinate Iraqi Sovereignty to Iranian Interests

May 7, 2026

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Asaib Ahl al-Haq leader Qais al-Khazali in a file photo.

Middle East Forum Observer

Iran’s Network Doubles Down on Iraq’s Premiership

Did Washington Just Hand Iraq to Qais al-Khazali?

May 3, 2026

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On January 08, 2026, Iraqi merchants and citizens in Basra protest against a 30 percent increase in customs duties and new import taxes that have caused market stagnation and high prices.

Middle East Forum Observer

The Choice About Iraq’s Future Rests with Judge Faiq Zaidan

Since 2018, No Prime Ministerial Candidate Has Moved Forward Without His Consultation, Approval, or Intervention

April 27, 2026

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Flags representing member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Middle East Forum Observer

Gulf Arab States Must Help Unwind Iranian Influence in Iraq

Iraq’s Continued Subordination to Iran Is a Direct Threat to Gulf Cooperation Council Security and to U.S. Interests

April 23, 2026

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Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani in 2022.

Middle East Forum Observer

Could a New Political System Be on Iraq’s Horizon?

Iraq’s Crisis Is a Problem of Not Only Armed Factions but Also the Political Order That Preserved and Protected Them

April 9, 2026

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Baghdad, Iraq, in March 2025.

Middle East Forum Observer

U.S. Policy in Iraq Deepens Its Crises Rather than Resolving Them

Washington Asks Baghdad to Control Iranian Proxies but Does Not Fully Acknowledge the Environment It Faces

March 28, 2026

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