In the 20 years since the United States invaded Iraq, Iran has built up loyal militias inside Iraq, gained deep political influence in the country and reaped economic benefits. For Washington, these were unintended consequences.
Conversations with dozens of Iraqis offer a portrait of a nation that is rich in oil, hobbled by corruption and unable to guarantee its citizens’ safety.
With some indication that the killings of four men in Albuquerque may have had sectarian motives, some American Sunnis are calling for solidarity with Shiites.
The destruction of Iranian drones last year was an early example of a new regional military project that President Biden is trying to shore up during his Middle East visit.