Ali Mamouri

Ali Mamouri is the Associate Editor of Iraq at Al-Monitor. He is an academic and researcher specializing in political philosophy.

Iran | May 30, 2023

Why did Shamkhani, Iran's powerful national security chief, resign?

Ali Shamkhani, the longstanding secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, has yielded his post to a prominent commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Iraq | May 14, 2023

Iraqi division intensifies between church, Christian Babylon Movement

The institutional Iraqi church and the Christian political party of Babylon are feuding over the leadership of Christian affairs in Iraq.

Iraq | Apr 9, 2023

Iraqi militias escalate rhetoric against US, threatening more attacks

After a period of calm following the formation of the new government, angry rhetoric has been rising against the US embassy's social outreach to Iraqi groups and tribes.

A member of the Iraqi security forces stands by a destroyed vehicle that was carrying rockets amdist sacks of flour, in the district of al-Baghdadi in al-Anbar province on July 8, 2021. - Fourteen rockets were fired on July 7 at an air base hosting American troops in the western province of Anbar, causing minor injuries to two personnel, the coalition said. The rockets "landed on the base & perimeter" of the Ain al-Assad base, the coalition spokesman tweeted, adding that local homes and a mosque were also d

Iraq | Mar 25, 2023

Iraq marks somber Ramadan amid economic, political crises

The holy month used to be a special time for Iraqis, filled with spiritual and social activities. But it has lost meaning due to the ongoing economic crisis and political conflict in the country.

Gulf | Mar 18, 2023

Explainer: How Iraq planted the seeds for China's Saudi-Iran deal

Iran and Saudi Arabia finalized their negotiations in Beijing after five sessions of mediation in Baghdad since 2019.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi leaves Downing Street after a meeting with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on October 22, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Iraq | Mar 12, 2023

'Iraq is not an Islamic country': Minorities protest Baghdad's alcohol ban as unconstitutional

The Iraqi government's renewed effort to prohibit alcohol is not only worrisome for Christian and Yazidi minorities, but also raises constitutionality questions.

A man walks inside a liquor shop in Baghdad on February 23, 2023. (Photo by MURTAJA LATEEF/AFP via Getty Images)

Gulf | Mar 5, 2023

Saudi TV series about Islamic history triggers Iraq’s sectarian divide

The Saudi-based MBC media group’s announcement that it would broadcast a TV series about a controversial figure in Islamic history, Mu'awiya bin Abi Sufyan, has faced strong backlash from Shiites in Iraq and the region.

Shiite Muslim pilgrims gather to pray at the shrine of the 8th-century Imam Musa al-Kadhim in the Kadhimiya district, north of Baghdad, on February 17, 2023. (Photo by AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/AFP via Getty Images)

Iran | Feb 28, 2023

Iraq's religious authorities stay out of Shiite conflict

Iraq's top Shiite religious authority, Ayatollah Ali Sistani, remains influential in Iraqi politics, but is remaining silent at a dangerous time for the country amid high tensions among Shiite parties.

Iraq | Feb 18, 2023

Iraqi parliament's attempt to amend electoral law met with anger

The controversial amendment, which will benefit Iraq's larger political parties at the expense of independent ones, is causing political division in the country between the ruling coalition and Sadrists, among others.

Iraq | Feb 9, 2023

Russia's Lavrov in Iraq, looks for sanctions relief

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s trip to Iraq focused on expanding energy and trade ties, while making a pitch for relief from US sanctions.

Ali Mamouri

Why did Shamkhani, Iran's powerful national security chief, resign?

Iraqi division intensifies between church, Christian Babylon Movement

Iraqi militias escalate rhetoric against US, threatening more attacks

Iraq marks somber Ramadan amid economic, political crises

Explainer: How Iraq planted the seeds for China's Saudi-Iran deal

'Iraq is not an Islamic country': Minorities protest Baghdad's alcohol ban as unconstitutional

Saudi TV series about Islamic history triggers Iraq’s sectarian divide

Iraq's religious authorities stay out of Shiite conflict

Iraqi parliament's attempt to amend electoral law met with anger

Russia's Lavrov in Iraq, looks for sanctions relief

Podcasts

Turkey's ratification of Sweden's NATO membership not enough to secure Congressional approval for F-16s, says Hellenic American Leadership Council chief Endy Zemenides

Ali Mamouri

Why did Shamkhani, Iran's powerful national security chief, resign?

Iraqi division intensifies between church, Christian Babylon Movement

Iraqi militias escalate rhetoric against US, threatening more attacks

Iraq marks somber Ramadan amid economic, political crises

Explainer: How Iraq planted the seeds for China's Saudi-Iran deal

'Iraq is not an Islamic country': Minorities protest Baghdad's alcohol ban as unconstitutional

Saudi TV series about Islamic history triggers Iraq’s sectarian divide

Iraq's religious authorities stay out of Shiite conflict

Iraqi parliament's attempt to amend electoral law met with anger

Russia's Lavrov in Iraq, looks for sanctions relief

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Podcasts

Turkey's ratification of Sweden's NATO membership not enough to secure Congressional approval for F-16s, says Hellenic American Leadership Council chief Endy Zemenides