Baghdad

Baghdad is the capital city of Iraq, a country in the Middle East with a complex history of sectarian politics. Recently, French nationals accused of being part of ISIL (ISIS) have been transferred from Syria to Iraqi prisons, where they claim to be subjected to torture and inhumane treatment. Protests in Baghdad have also erupted over US President Donald Trump's threats to cut US support for Iraq if former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki returns to power. The nomination of al-Maliki as prime minister has been met with opposition from the US, which has expressed concerns about Iran's influence in the country. Meanwhile, a Jewish family that fled Iraq generations ago has accused France of failing to pay rent on its embassy in Baghdad, which was built by the family in the 1930s. The formation of a new government in Iraq will have to navigate these domestic and international pressures.