Mohammed Al-Bassem

In February, Iraq ranked 140th globally out of 180 countries listed in the Global Transparency Index, while it ranked eighth among the most corrupt Arab states.

Iraqi factions oppose Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi's Washington agreements, raising concerns over government plans, weapons control and closer US ties.  

Washington insists on disarming Iran-backed Iraqi factions as Al-Zaidi visits the US amid disputes over weapons, sovereignty and security arrangements. 

Two dollar shipments arrived in Baghdad during the visit of US envoy Tom Barrack but Washington has indicated it could impose sanctions on Iraq

Twelve years on, residents continue to demand accountability as questions about how Mosul's collapse happened in the first place remain unanswered.

Stranded Iraqis in Lebanon urged the Iraqi government to organise their safe return as escalating conflict and rising costs deepen their plight.