The Latest Breaking News from Baghdad

Sadrist Movement, Coordination Framework Protest on Different Bridges in Baghdad

The leader of the Sadrist movement in Iraq, Muqtada al-Sadr, rejected the call for dialogue, describing it as "useless" as long as the Iraqi people have said their say in the elections. In a televised speech, Sadr noted that "Iraqi blood is dear," stressing "enough blood...

Asharq Al-Awsat · Aug 4, 2022

Iraq’s al-Sadr demands dissolution of parliament, early elections

Iraq’s Muqtada al-Sadr orders supporters to continue sit-in inside the national parliament, calls for new elections.

Al Jazeera · Aug 3, 2022

Iraqi cleric orders followers to continue protest in Baghdad

Influential Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has told his followers to continue their sit-in inside Iraq’s government zone, and called for the dissolution of the parliament and early elections

The Independent UK · Aug 3, 2022

Iraq’s Sadr Offers ‘Conditional Reconciliation’ to Fatah Leader

Iraqi Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr made a surprise move on Monday by offering “conditional reconciliation” with head of the Fatah alliance, Hadi al-Ameri, of the rival Shiite Coordination Framework. Thousands of Iraqis took to the streets of Baghdad Monday in counter-protests as rival supporters of Sadr extended their occupation of…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Aug 2, 2022

Tensions soar as rival protests take place near Iraqi parliament

Thousands of al-Sadr supporters resume their sit-in inside parliament in Baghdad as counter-protests take place nearby.

Al Jazeera · Aug 1, 2022

Shia factions mass in Baghdad raising fears of more unrest

Rallies in support of cleric Moqtada al-Sadr follow occupation of Iraqi parliament amid a political vacuum

The Guardian - UK · Aug 1, 2022

Baghdad braces for clashes as rival camps to stage protests

Baghdad braced for demonstrations on Monday by rival Shi'ite Muslim groups which are affiliated with heavily armed militias, raising fears of clashes as tension soars over the formation of a government.

Reuters · Aug 1, 2022

Iraqi Army Denies Defections: We Stand at Equal Distance from People

The Iraqi Defense Ministry denied on Monday reports of defections in the military. The army and all its members are in service of the people and they stand at an equal distance from them, it said in a statement. Social media posts had claimed that a military infantry unit had…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Aug 1, 2022

Protesters camp out in Iraq's Parliament building as a power struggle unfolds

Followers of an influential cleric have pledged to continue the sit-in to derail efforts from Iran-backed groups to form the country's next government.

WEKU · Jul 31, 2022

Briton Leaves Iraq after Antiquities Conviction Quashed

A retired British geologist jailed in Iraq for antiquities smuggling has been freed and has left the country, his family said Sunday. Jim Fitton, 66, was sentenced in June to 15 years in an Iraqi prison. A Baghdad appeals court overturned the conviction and last week ordered his release. Fitton…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jul 31, 2022