The Lingering Fallout of the U.S. Invasion of Iraq 20 Years Later

Two decades after the U.S. invasion of Iraq, corruption and sectarianism continue to plague the country's politics, with Shiite, Sunni, and Kurdish parties dividing up top jobs and government ministries to enrich themselves and their supporters. Patronage networks, state resources, and militias have helped entrench the power of a new class of politicians who emerged after the invasion. Despite a modicum of freedom, repeated and relatively fair parliamentary elections, and a free press, Iraq remains one of the world's most unhappy countries, with plunging voter turnout and waves of protest driven by a lack of basic services. Current Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, backed by pro-Iran parties, is trying to balance outside powers and demonstrate progress at home, particularly in the power supply, but many are skeptical that the old guard will change its stripes.