Iraq: Prime Minister Al-Sudani's Coalition Wins Election
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
The results signal Iraq’s rejection of external meddling and its renewed embrace of Shia political unity, reflecting not only the genuine will of Iraqi voters but also their desire for a stable political center capable of resisting shifting foreign agendas. By consolidating authority and preserving continuity in governance, the coalition positions itself as the main force protecting national sovereignty while countering persistent US efforts to fragment Iraq’s political landscape and weaken its internal cohesion.
Government-critical narrative
Al-Sudani and his Iran-backed Shia bloc frame themselves as a stabilizing force, but their authority hinges on factions sustained by Tehran’s influence, leaving them unable to restrain militias or assert genuine independence. As election math threatens his allies, he retreats into patronage and sectarian bargaining rather than structural reform. Instead of reinforcing state institutions, he preserves a setup where armed groups overshadow governance and foreign power brokers outweigh Iraqi voters.
Pro-establishment narrative
Al-Sudani's victory offers the United States a rare opportunity in Iraq, as his government is willing to work closely with Washington on energy, investment, and security. As Iraq slowly pushes back against the influence of Iranian-backed militias, the scope for a balanced partnership is expanding. A more stable Baghdad under Sudani strengthens U.S. influence in the region and creates the conditions for long-term cooperation that benefits both countries.
Establishment-critical narrative
The latest vote in Iraq exposes the hollowness of Western claims to support sovereignty. Washington lectures Baghdad on democracy while leaving behind two decades of invasion, torture sites and unpunished massacres like Haditha, where U.S. marines killed families and faced no real accountability. The same powers that shattered Iraq now present themselves as guardians of stability — demanding influence in a country still carrying the scars of their impunity.
