Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, who has been in office since Adil Abdul Mahdi stepped down in May 2020, is making moves on the international stage unheard of among his predecessors. The maneuvering by the spy chief and former journalist is believed to be geared to secure backing for a second term.

Implementing a new vision

Kadhimi began outlining his vision for Iraq and its role in the region through his "New Mashriq [Orient]” initiative, which entails establishing stronger ties with Egypt and Jordan. Subsequently, he proceeded to host the recent Aug. 28 Baghdad Conference, which was attended by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah II in addition to several other top regional leaders. These included Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani as well as Emirati Vice President and Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers were also among those present. French President Emmanuel Macron notably was the sole top European representative.

According to informed Iraqi government sources...