Iraq’s political landscape decades post-regime change

11 January 2026

Over two decades post the 2003 regime transition, Iraq’s democracy can be characterized as a “formal facade,” obstructed by corruption and the influence of armed militias that substantially affect political decisions through the appropriation of state resources. Iraqi culture openly acknowledges and profoundly ingrains this widespread corruption.

The fundamental threat to Iraq originates internally rather than from external forces, necessitating the formation of an autonomous national will and authentic internal discussion to construct a modern state, devoid of foreign intrusion. The existing democratic process mostly caters to the interests of militias affiliated with foreign entities, particularly Iran, as seen by the inadequate transfer of power, which highlights a defective democratic system.

The electoral boycott by Muqtada al-Sadr’s adherents indicates that although Sadr’s opposition is justifiable given the perceived corruption of the governing bodies, his exit from parliament was damaging, enabling a minority faction to dominate power. The prime minister’s position within a corrupt system undermines even the most principled individuals, resulting in many declining to seek leadership roles under the prevailing corrupt circumstances.

Iraq’s governance is not controlled by its institutions but is instead ruled by militias loyal to Iran, which publicly declare their loyalty, thus undermining the nation’s sovereignty. Internal solutions are essential, as genuine change must stem from national agreement rather than dependence on external powers.

The recent elections did not provoke authentic political change, attributable to the candidates’ lack of integrity, the dominance of militias, and the unprecedented corruption in Iraq, which has permeated the political sphere and economy, highlighting the severe manipulation of capital and power within the electoral process.

Disunity and corruption persist as issues within the Kurdish political landscape, despite substantive efforts to address them, impacting both the Kurdish area and the wider Iraqi setting.

Unity among Iraqis is essential to address internal corruption and the exploitation of sectarian politics, promote a reconstruction of Iraq’s foreign policy based on national interests rather than sectarian or external influences, and emphasize the necessity of a credible national dialogue as the means to restore Iraq from its current precarious condition.

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New Year Greetings

1 January 2026

As our planet ends one year and begins a new one, I have high hopes that this transition will bring us renewed optimism, a larger perspective, and a more caring attitude.

The beginning of a new epoch should yield major discoveries.
I trust that the wisdom obtained from life’s experiences will promote greater unity and harmony. May all of your goals be accomplished…

May this reoccurring opportunity benefit you as you continue to grow and advance.

You should be quite proud of yourself for getting through the fights you’ve never told anyone about and for staying strong even when you wanted to give up. It’s your time to shine, and life is going to be so lovely and fantastic.

Don’t forget: your best times are still to come. No matter what you’ve been through, life is always full of beauty and promise. Take a moment today to ask yourself, “What am I holding onto that is stopping me?”

Then take a deep breath, let go, and let it fall. Something better is already on its way to you.

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The Last Light of the Old City

Cities age like people — slowly, then all at once. The old quarter still breathes beneath its cracked stones, holding memories no one bothered to archive. Every dusk, the rooftops glow with that soft ember-colored light, the kind that makes you pause even if life’s been beating you sideways. Folks walk those narrow streets like they’re chasing ghosts, or maybe just chasing who they used to be. There’s a charm to places that refuse to keep up with the modern rush, standing firm like stubborn elders who’ve seen too much to be impressed by neon. And honestly, that’s why this place pulls you in. It whispers stories without trying, stories carved into every doorway, every worn stair. When the night finally settles and the lights flicker on, you feel a warmth that doesn’t ask for anything — it just reminds you where you came from.

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