Iraq’s political crisis deepened in 2023. The country has been without a government since October 2021, when the election resulted in a hung parliament. The two main political blocs, led by former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and Muqtada al-Sadr, have been unable to agree on a government.

The crisis has led to political paralysis and economic stagnation. Iraq is struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is facing a number of other challenges, including the Islamic State group and the ongoing water crisis.

The crisis is also a threat to Iraq’s security. The country is home to a number of armed groups, including the Islamic State group. The political instability could provide an opportunity for these groups to regroup and launch new attacks.