Iraq (2014–present)

Iraq (2014–present)
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Conventional long name	Republic of Iraq (2014–present)
Common name	Iraq
Capital	Baghdad
Largest city	Baghdad
Official languages	Arabic, Kurdish
Government type	Federal parliamentary republic
Leader title1	President
Leader name1	Fuad Masum; Barham Salih; Abdul Latif Rashid
Leader title2	Prime Minister
Leader name2	Nouri al-Maliki; Haider al-Abadi; Adil Abdul-Mahdi; Mustafa Al-Kadhimi; Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani
Legislature	Council of Representatives
Area km2	438317
Population estimate	37 million (approx.)
Currency	Iraqi dinar

Iraq (2014–present)

From 2014 onward Iraq underwent a turbulent period marked by the territorial rise of ISIL, large-scale military campaigns, shifting political coalitions, and intensive international engagement. The period saw transitions among leaders such as Nouri al-Maliki, Haider al-Abadi, Adil Abdul-Mahdi, Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, and Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani, while institutions like the Council of Representatives and the Supreme Judicial Council navigated security, reconstruction, and sectarian tensions.

Background and political context

In early 2014 Iraq faced mounting pressures from conflict in Syria, the insurgent re-emergence of ISIL, the aftermath of the 2003 invasion, and contested authority between the Iraqi central government and the Kurdistan Regional Government. Political fragmentation involved blocs such as State of Law Coalition, Dawa Party, Sadr Movement, KDP, and PUK, while key institutions including the Iraqi Armed Forces, Popular Mobilization Forces, and the Federal Supreme Court of Iraq grappled with legitimacy and capability.

Rise and defeat of ISIL

ISIL launched rapid offensives in 2014, capturing Mosul, Fallujah, and large swathes of Nineveh, declaring a caliphate that provoked international responses from United States and United Kingdom. The counteroffensive combined Iraqi units, PMF, Kurdish Peshmerga, and coalition airpower from Operation Inherent Resolve, culminating in major battles such as the Battle of Mosul (2016–17), Siege of Sinjar, and operations in Anbar. By late 2017 Iraq announced the territorial defeat of ISIL after recapturing Tal Afar, Hawija, and reclaiming Ramadi, though ISIL persisted via insurgency and attacks in Baghdad and rural areas.

Security, military operations, and foreign intervention

Iraq's security landscape involved the rebuilding of the Iraqi Army, integration and scrutiny of the PMF, and cooperation with foreign militaries including the United States Armed Forces, IRGC, Russian Armed Forces, and Turkish Armed Forces which conducted cross-border operations. Significant operations included Iraqi advances supported by U.S. airstrikes, Iranian-backed advisory roles, and Turkish strikes targeting PKK positions. Institutions such as Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Interior undertook reforms amid debates over command, accountability, and links between militias and political parties.

Political developments and governance (2014–present)

Political transitions followed the anti-ISIL military phase, with elections in 2014, 2018, and 2021 reshaping alliances among Sadrist Movement, Coordination Framework, and Kurdish parties including KDP and PUK. Notable events included mass protests in 2019 targeting corruption and services, the resignation of Adil Abdul-Mahdi, and calls for reform led by figures like Muqtada al-Sadr and civil society groups. Constitutional disputes persisted over Article 140 and the status of disputed territories such as Kirkuk.

Humanitarian impact and displacement

ISIL-era violence and subsequent operations generated massive humanitarian crises, including the internally displaced persons waves from Mosul, Sinjar, and Nineveh Governorate. International agencies including UNHCR, OCHA, and NGOs such as International Committee of the Red Cross responded to needs for shelter, food, and medical care. The Yazidi genocide and Sinjar massacre prompted international attention to victims' rights, while reconstruction plans addressed returns to towns like Qayyarah and Tal Afar.

Economy, reconstruction, and oil sector

Iraq's fiscal recovery relied heavily on the Iraq National Oil Company, contracts with international firms such as BP, ExxonMobil, Shell, and TotalEnergies, and fields including West Qurna, Rumaila oil field, and Kirkuk oilfield. Reconstruction funding involved donors at conferences in Kuwait and multilateral institutions including the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Challenges included infrastructure damage from the Battle of Mosul (2016–17), corruption scandals implicated figures linked to Basra unrest, and fluctuating oil prices affecting budgets and subsidies.

Society, sectarian relations, and human rights

Post-2014 Iraq saw strained relations among Shia, Sunni, and Yazidis, with sectarian tensions exacerbated by militia influence such as PMF factions and political movements like Sadrist Movement. Human rights concerns involved reports by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International on extrajudicial killings, detention practices, and freedom of assembly restrictions during the 2019 protests. Cultural recovery included rehabilitation of heritage sites like al-Nuri Mosque and archives from institutions such as the National Museum of Iraq.

International relations and regional dynamics

Iraq navigated ties with United States, Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and neighboring Syria and Jordan, balancing security cooperation, energy diplomacy, and mediation roles. Diplomatic milestones included restoration of relations with Saudi Arabia and trilateral discussions with Turkey over water and security. Iraq engaged multilaterally through forums like the Arab League and hosted talks on refugee returns, reconstruction financing, and counterterrorism, positioning Baghdad as a pivotal actor in shifting Middle East dynamics.

Category:2010s in Iraq Category:2020s in Iraq