Iraq heads to elections amid violence, corruption claims and a potential low turnout driven by public disillusionment and Sadr’s boycott call. Even if PM Sudani wins most seats, forming a government could spark another internal Shiite power struggle.

Conflict in the Middle East is intertwined with competition for legitimacy and influence. Power is exercised not only through force, but through rebuilding, governance, and narrative control. Understanding the region means watching both the battlefield and what follows after.

Personal status law isn't just tradition or doctrine—it's deeply political, write @nerminallam.bsky.social and Baneen Al Qaraghuli. Egypt resists meaningful reforms to preserve patriarchy; Iraq adopts conservative reform to build legitimacy.

Full paper: carnegieendowment.org/research/202...