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Iraq's sixth post-invasion election opened today, with over 21 million eligible voters, including security personnel and displaced people. The vote tests Prime Minister Sudani's bid for a second term amid fears of low turnout, political discontent, and regional tensions involving Iran and the US.
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Iraq's recent parliamentary election saw al-Sudani's coalition win the most seats, but no party secured a majority. Turnout was 56%, with shifts in regional voting patterns, notably in Nineveh and Diyala. Forming a government will require complex negotiations amid ongoing political and regional balancing acts.
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Iraq's November 2025 parliamentary elections resulted in no clear majority, with Prime Minister al-Sudani's coalition leading but requiring extensive coalition-building. Voter turnout was 56.11%, with regional variations. Political factions are now negotiating to form a government amid ongoing fragmentation and regional influences.
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On Nov 26, a drone strike hit the Khor Mor gas field in Iraq's Kurdistan region, operated by Dana Gas, causing a major fire and halting gas supplies that power over 80% of the region. The attack led to widespread power outages and a joint Iraqi-Kurdish investigation. The U.S. blamed Iran-backed militias. Operations resumed by Dec 1 after an agreement to restore supplies.
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Recent events highlight increased US pressure on Iraq to curb Iran-backed militias amid regional tensions. US threats, drone attacks, and diplomatic efforts aim to influence Iraq's political landscape, with implications for regional stability and Iraq's balancing act between Iran and the US. The story is current as of December 11, 2025.
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The UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) will shut down its operations at Iraq's request by the end of 2025, marking a milestone in Iraq's path to full self-reliance. The mission's conclusion reflects Iraq's progress in restoring stability after decades of conflict and violence.
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Iraqi officials report progress in restricting weapons to state control, with some factions indicating willingness to disarm, contingent on foreign troop withdrawal. Key groups like Kataib Hezbollah remain resistant, citing resistance rights and sovereignty concerns amid ongoing political negotiations.
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Iraq faces a critical political deadlock as Kurdish factions remain divided over the presidential candidate, with less than 24 hours before the nomination deadline. Meanwhile, Iraq's parliament elected Haibet Al-Halbousi as speaker amid ongoing tensions over government formation, Iran-backed militias, and regional influence. The process highlights Iraq's complex power-sharing system and regional tensions.
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All U.S. military advisers have left Iraq's Ain al-Asad base, ending the coalition's mission. Iraqi forces now fully control the site, with ongoing coordination in Syria. The withdrawal follows a 2024 agreement to wind down U.S. presence, with some troops remaining temporarily due to regional developments.