Mohammed Shia al-Sudani

Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is the current Prime Minister of Iraq. He is newsworthy due to his government's perceived inability to control Iran-backed militias operating within Iraq, leading to attacks on US assets and personnel. Recent events include rocket attacks on the US embassy in Baghdad, US warnings for citizens to leave Iraq, and US Secretary of State Rubio speaking with al-Sudani about the escalating tensions with Iran. Al-Sudani has stated that Iraq should not be a launchpad for attacks. His position is further complicated by the potential return of former PM Nouri al-Maliki, who has close ties to Iran, a possibility the US strongly opposes. The situation is significant because Iraq is caught between the escalating conflict between the US and Iran, with the potential for further instability and violence within the country.