The makeup of Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi’s new government revealed the absence of any figure directly affiliated with armed factions, raising a central question over how far the U.S. succeeded in pushing those groups out of power as part of its conditions for maintaining ties with Baghdad and continuing political support.

“Israel–UAE” ties have evolved into a deep military partnership involving joint operations, intelligence sharing, and integrated defense cooperation against Iran.

As the deadline for Iraqi PM-designate Ali al-Zaidi to present his cabinet to parliament nears, Iran has become directly involved in the government formation process, despite previously insisting it was a purely Iraqi matter beyond external interference.

The thorniest issue facing Iraq’s prime minister-designate, Ali al-Zaidi, is the fate of the country’s armed factions, as pressure from Washington intensifies to dismantle groups, particularly those with ties to Iran.

The UAE's plan to ditch the oil producers' group OPEC and strike out alone is being viewed as a huge blow for the organization.