Key Takeaways: Iraq’s parliament approved the remaining Cabinet appointments for Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, including Laith al-Khazali of the U.S.-designated terrorist group Asaib Ahl al-Haq as a deputy prime minister, prompting concerns about continued Iran-backed militia influence in Baghdad. U.S. officials reaffirmed support for al-Zaidi’s vision of a sovereign Iraq …

Key TakeawaysThe Iranian regime has reportedly found ways to ship a very limited and relatively inconsequential amount of petroleum product exports via maritime routes despite the US naval blockade. Iran’s ability to export energy products continues to be severely hampered by the US economic campaign, however.The Houthis are using imitative …

Key Takeaways: The AfD, which emerged as the largest party in two of three German state elections in September and leads national polls at 28–30 percent, pursues a “nation-first” foreign policy that is relatively soft on Russia, skeptical of traditional U.S. security ties, and more positive toward China. Internally the …