Iraq

The UN will close its assistance mission in Iraq after more than two decades, ending a presence launched following the 2003 US invasion, as Baghdad says it is now self-reliant.

BEHIND THE LINES: Despite setbacks, Iraq’s Iranian-backed militias continue to thrive politically, posing a lasting threat to Israel’s security.

The Congressman shared, “Iraq has an opportunity to thrive if it changes its behaviour. Congress is ready to back up President Trump with new provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act."

Zarif argued that Jerusalem misread Iran’s staying power when the fighting resumed earlier this year. “The Israelis launched this aggression based on mistaken assumptions,” he said.

This reflects a longstanding paradox in Iraq, a country with vast oil reserves that should be able to cover its electricity needs.

A list reporting that Iraq had approved the freezing of Hezbollah and Houthi funds was reportedly mistakenly published before revision.

The move will likely be welcomed by Washington, which has long sought to reduce Iran's influence in Iraq and other countries in the Middle East where Tehran has allies.

Iraq is the second-biggest producer in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, which Trump has regularly criticized for trying to keep oil prices high.

“What you see in Khuzestan, Isfahan, Sistan-Baluchestan, and many other places is the result of bad governance, chronic mismanagement," said water policy analyst Nik Kowsar.

Tsurkov: “There is no clear objective for Israel's presence. What is the long-term goal? What is the long-term vision?”