A Monumental Task Awaits Iraq’s New Government

On May 7, Iraq swore in its first legitimate government since violent protests led to the collapse of its last government in December. After months of political turmoil, the formation of the new government, led by former intelligence chief Mustafa al-Kadhimi as prime minister, is in itself an achievement. But no matter how coherent al-Kadhimi’s administration proves to be, Iraq’s increasingly dire economic situation -- made worse by the COVID-19 crisis and subsequent oil market shocks -- will make it difficult to maintain social and political stability, as well as manage domestic and external security. ...