Topic: Islamic Dawa Party

Iran's bid for power in postwar Iraq

As Iraqi Prime Minister Nour al-Maliki meets President Obama in Washington, Tehran is trying to broaden its influence in Iraq by installing a heavy-hitting cleric there.

Iraq after the US: Will it survive? (video)

Iraqis harbor anger, deep concerns – and some optimism – as American troops withdraw after nearly nine years of war and occupation. 

Americans in cross hairs of mosque-state struggle

Iraq's elected leaders are moving toward clerical rule while in Iran a leading Shiite cleric, who advocates secular rule, suffers in prison.

Iraq's new government raises hopes even as key ministries go unfilled

Iraq unveiled a broad-based government Tuesday that includes all the country's major religious and ethnic factions. The key security and military affairs ministries remain open.

As US troops leave, Iraq inches toward a new government

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki met Tuesday with Ayad Allawi to discuss forming a new government and decide who will be prime minister. But the main Shiite, Sunni, and Kurdish factions are still negotiating.

After Iraq election, Shiite parties announce alliance to form next government

In the wake of the disputed Iraq election, the two largest Shiite parties announced they are creating an alliance to lead the next government that leaves them just 4 votes shy of a parliamentary majority.

Iraq election: Will Prime Minister Maliki lose his job?

With 80 percent of the Iraq election votes counted, Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki is neck and neck with former Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi. Even if Maliki wins the popular vote, he may not be able to hold together a coalition government.

In Iraq, banned Sunni candidates back in the race

A ban on hundreds of (mostly Sunni) candidates in Iraq was lifted Wednesday. The ban was reversed after senior Sunni politicians threatened to boycott the March 7 national election.

Basra residents safer, but looking for work

Iraqi governor talks about how to revive southern Iraqi city.

In provincial vote, Iraqis redraw political landsape

Iraqi vote expected to bolster Maliki

Early returns from Saturday's provincial polls suggest that the Shiite prime minister's Dawa Party will be the big winner.

A momentous vote in Iraq after years of war

Polls open throughout most of the country for a provincial election that could shift the balance of power.

The lasting impact of 1983 Beirut attack

The Marine barracks bombing 25 years ago ushered in a new era of large-scale Al Qaeda attacks against the US and its allies.

Iran shifts attention to brokering peace in Iraq

Details from a secret meeting between top Iranian and Iraqi officials signal Iran's aim to 'stop arming' militias.

Basra strike against Shiite militias also about oil

Iraq's oil minister says the assault helped curb oil smuggling.

Sadr reins in Shiite militiamen, sends mixed signals

Battles continued to rage Sunday between the radical cleric's Mahdi Army and Iraqi and US forces.

Basra fight widens rift among Shiite factions

In Baghdad Thursday, thousands protested the Iraqi government's battle with the Mahdi Army militia loyal to Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.

Across Iraq, battles erupt with Mahdi Army

Moqtada al-Sadr's Mahdi Army fought US, Iraqi forces in Baghdad and Basra on Tuesday.

Is life for Iraqis improving?

Five years after the US invasion, some see flickers of hope.