Before Iraq’s elections, Washington made no secret of its desire to keep militias away from both the political and security arenas, arguing that their presence strengthens Iranian influence in the country.

Iraq's parliamentary elections come amid a notable decline in Iran’s regional influence, an absence of security unrest in Sunni cities, the unprecedented boycott by the Sadrist movement since 2005, and the exclusive adoption of biometric voting cards.

As Iraq’s parliamentary elections draw closer, political factions are stepping up their media campaigns, using crises and incidents to discredit rivals, even at the cost of civilian lives.

Samarra faces ongoing sectarian violence, repression by Shiite militias, and forced displacement of its Sunni residents, threatening its cultural heritage.

Muqtada al-Sadr's boycott of the 2025 elections, citing corruption and a flawed system, sparks debate on its impact on Iraq's political balance and reforms.