Iraq !

Iraq is a Middle Eastern country with a rich ancient history. It has faced decades of war, instability and political challenges. The 2003 U.S. led invasion removed Saddam Hussein from power. This created a power vacuum and weakened national institutions. Armed groups like ISIS exploited the chaos and gained control. ISIS caused mass displacement and destruction across Iraq. Over one million Iraqis remain internally displaced today. Political corruption and weak governance fuel public frustration. Ethnic and sectarian divisions deepen political instability. Shiite militias resist integration into national security forces. Kurdish groups continue to seek autonomy in the north. Water insecurity and economic hardship affect daily life. Iran-backed militias target U.S. forces, worsening regional tensions. The government struggles to rebuild and unify the country. Upcoming elections in 2025 may shape Iraq’s future. Despite challenges, Iraqis remain resilient and hopeful for peace.

Government

Iraq is currently governed as a federal parliamentary republic a democratic framework in which executive power is exercised by a prime minister and cabinet accountable to the elected legislature, within a federal system that grants autonomy to regions such as the Kurdistan Region. Federal Parliamentary Republic, the President acts as head of state, while the Prime Minister serves as the head of government, leading the Cabinet. Iraq operates under a multi-party system, with a wide array of parties representing Shiite, Sunni, Kurdish, Turkmen, Assyrian-Chaldean, secular and ideological interests. Over 220 political parties and individuals have registered to participate in election. Since the Saddam’s regime more than 250 political parties have been registered. Despite this large number, only around a dozen major parties or alliances currently wield significant influence.  

Branches

• • Executive: President, Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.

  • Legislative: Unicameral Council of Representatives, with a Federation Council intended but not yet active.

• Federalism and Autonomy: The Iraqi Constitution (2005) establishes a federal model where regions like Kurdistan have devolved powers. As of now, the Kurdistan Region is the only officially recognized federal region.

Effective Parties and Alliances

Some of the prominent political parties and coalitions are as under:-

• Fatah Alliance (e.g., Badr Organization)

• State of Law Coalition (Islamic Dawa Party)

• Kurdistani Coalition, featuring:

  • Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP)

  • Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK)

• Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq

• Sadrist Movement

• National Reform Trend, etc.

Ongoing Challenges

Iraq faces deep political tensions, especially ahead of the 2025 federal elections. The federal election is scheduled to be conducted in the month of November 2025. The Sadrist Movement is pushing for early elections to challenge the current government. Disputes between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) over oil revenues and salaries remain unresolved. Iraq continues to combat ISIS resurgence, especially in Anbar Province. Iranian-backed militias, part of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, have launched attacks on U.S. bases. Turkish military operations against the PKK in northern Iraq have displaced villagers and caused civilian casualties. Over one million Iraqis remain internally displaced, many from ISIS-affected areas. Reintegration of returnees from Syria’s al-Hol camp remains a sensitive issue. Women, minorities and LGBTQ+ individuals face legal discrimination and shrinking civic space. Iraq is caught in regional rivalries, especially between Iran, the U.S. and Turkey. The new U.S. administration under Trump views Iraq with skepticism, potentially reducing support. Iraq is trying to position itself as a regional mediator, but external interference remains strong.

ISIS in Iraq

Though ISIS lost its territorial control in Iraq by 2017, it continues to operate as a covert insurgency. Totally relying on sleeper cells, guerrilla tactics and sporadic attacks especially in remote and rugged areas like the Hamrin Mountains and provinces like Kirkuk, Diyala and Salahaddin. In the first half of 2024, the US Central Command reported 153 attacks across Iraq and Syria, signaling ISIS efforts to regroup. Recent data shows a stark decrease in ISIS activity. Only 4 attacks were claimed in Iraq in 2025 so far, compared to 61 in 2024. Authorities have foiled multiple major ISIS plots this year—even counting “at least a dozen” thwarted attacks. The UN estimates ISIS maintains 1,500 to 3,000 fighters across Iraq and Syria, though most active branches are outside Iraq in Africa and Afghanistan. However, In March 2025, Iraqi and U.S. led forces killed the top ISIS leader operating in Iraq and Syria, “Abu Khadija,” underscoring continued pressure on the group’s leadership. Recent U.S. raids in Syria also eliminated planned ISIS leadership successors who posed threats to both Syria and Iraq.

Government Steps against ISIS !

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has stated that ISIS no longer poses a serious threat to Iraq, reflecting confidence in national security and counterterrorism capacity. Sustained cooperation between Iraq’s forces, Kurdish Peshmerga and the U.S. led coalition along with improved surveillance and intelligence infrastructure has significantly reduced ISIS’s capacity to expand.

Conclusion on India’s Perspective

India and Iraq share strong trade relations, primarily centered around energy. Iraq is one of India’s top crude oil suppliers, accounting for a significant portion of India’s energy imports. In return, India exports pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, iron and steel, rice and chemicals to Iraq. Bilateral trade has grown over the years, driven by India’s increasing energy needs and Iraq’s demand for consumer goods and services. Both nations have expressed interest in expanding cooperation beyond oil, including healthcare, education and infrastructure. Regular diplomatic engagements and trade agreements further support this robust economic partnership between the two historically connected countries. ISIS in Iraq today is a shadow of its former self stripped of territory and leadership, Significantly constrained by robust security operations. While sporadic attacks still surface, the reduced frequency and scale point to a group under severe pressure. As long as intelligence capabilities, regional coordination and political will remain strong. Iraq is well-positioned to keep ISIS contained and prevent any revival. 

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