Mohammed Shia al-Sudani

Force in Play

Attempting to balance condemnation of attacks from all sides

A missile struck the helipad inside the United States Embassy compound in Baghdad on March 14, destroying part of the Counter-Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar (C-RAM) air defense system, its radar, and satellite communications. The embassy—the largest US compound in the world—has faced hundreds of attacks by Iran-aligned militias since US and Israeli strikes on Iran began February 28. No full evacuation has occurred despite the damage, with militia operations continuing at high tempo.

Updated May 30

Built World

Managing concurrent security, energy, and economic crises

Iraq has depended on Iranian gas for roughly a third of its electricity since the mid-2010s. On the evening of March 4, 2026, a drop in gas supplies to the Rumaila power plant in southern Iraq triggered a loss of 1,900 megawatts. It cascaded through the grid, shutting down power to all 18 provinces.

Updated May 30

Force in Play

In office since October 2022

Iraq declared victory over the Islamic State in December 2017 after recapturing Mosul and eliminating the group's territorial caliphate. Eight years later, Iraqi F-16s are still hunting militants in desert hideouts—a reminder that defeating an insurgency's territory is not the same as defeating its fighters.

Updated May 27

Force in Play

In office since October 2022; coalition won 2025 parliamentary elections

The United States returned to Iraq in 2014 after ISIS captured Mosul and threatened Baghdad. On January 17, 2026, American forces completed their withdrawal from federal Iraqi territory, with the Iraqi Army assuming full control of Al-Asad Air Base in Anbar province.

Updated May 21