Hamza Mustafa

Hamza Mustafa
Arab World Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani with Defense Minister Thabet al-Abbasi and Army Chief of Staff General Abdul Amir Rashid Yarallah (Archive–Prime Minister’s Office)

US Warns Baghdad Against Armed Faction Interference in Planned Operations

Just two days after a US message reassured Baghdad about the future of bilateral relations, the Iraqi government appears to have received its sternest warning…

Hamza Mustafa (Baghdad)
Arab World A woman walks past a banner depicting political candidates from a rival bloc, competing for a seat in the Iraqi parliament, days before the parliamentary elections, in Old Mosul, northern Iraq, on October 28, 2025. (EPA)

Trump Envoy Says Wants Iraq Free of Iran’s ‘Malign’ Interference

US President Donald Trump’s new envoy to Iraq Mark Savaya has outlined the nature of his mission, stirring controversy and debate in the country as it gears up…

Hamza Mustafa (Baghdad)
Arab World  US President Donald Trump with Mark Savaya, newly appointed special envoy to Iraq. (Instagram)

New US Envoy Wants to ‘Make Iraq Great Again’

New US presidential envoy to Iraq Mark Savaya stressed on Saturday that his mission aims to restore trust and bolster the strategic partnership between Baghdad…

Hamza Mustafa (Baghdad)
Arab World A woman pushes a cart past a banner for Iraq’s parliamentary elections in Baghdad (AP)

Iraq Election Campaign Heats Up as Sudani Accuses Rivals of ‘Lies

Iraq’s parliamentary election campaign is intensifying as the country heads toward a pivotal vote that many warn will shape its political trajectory, either…

Hamza Mustafa (Baghdad)
Arab World Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani speaks at his political block campaign rally before the parliamentary elections in Mosul, Iraq, Oct. 18, 2025. (AP)

Iraq's Coordination Framework Has Limited Options in Disarming Factions 

Tensions between Baghdad and Washington have been growing more strained in recent days, particularly after the telephone talks between Prime Minister Mohammed…

Hamza Mustafa (Baghdad)
Arab World US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein in Washington in April 2025 (Government Media). 

Washington Urges Baghdad to Disarm Militias

The United States has renewed pressure on Iraq to curb the power of armed groups, urging the government to disarm Iranian-backed militias. The appeal came…

Hamza Mustafa (Baghdad)
Arab World Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani arrives to his political block campaign rally before the parliamentary elections in Mosul, Iraq, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (AP)

Shiite MPs File Complaint against Iraqi PM

Six Shiite MPs filed a complaint against Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, weeks ahead of parliamentary elections. The complaint, filed on Sunday…

Hamza Mustafa (Baghdad)
Arab World Kataib Hezbollah fighters during a parade in Baghdad, September 2024 (File/Reuters)

Iraq Fears Expansion of US Sanctions List

As Iraq’s government led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani works to deepen economic and investment cooperation with the United States, including…

Hamza Mustafa (Baghdad)