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.
