For much of the past two decades, Iraq has been characterized as a contested battleground-a stage upon which the ambitions of regional actors and global powers collided. The country endured cycles of foreign occupation, sectarian violence, and militia dominance that made its sovereignty appear fragile at best. Yet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, Iraq is demonstrating a surprising recalibration of statehood. It is no longer simply the theater of conflict it once was, but rather an emergent strategic epicenter in Middle Eastern politics-one that both Washington and Brussels increasingly view as indispensable to their long-term regional agendas.

This transformation is neither accidental nor superficial. Instead, it is the result of deliberate statecraft, economic necessity, and recalculated foreign alignment pursued by Al-Sudani, who was recently recognized by CEOWorld magazine as one of the “Most Powerful Political Leaders Shaping the World.” The recognition is not merely symbolic. It reflects Iraq’s growing importance, not only as a state with vast oil reserves but also as a country with the potential to stabilize a volatile region.

Iraq’s significance is often reduced to its hydrocarbons: with proven oil reserves exceeding 140 billion barrels and a population of over 40 million, the country is a heavyweight in terms of sheer economic potential. Yet its true strategic value lies beyond its oil fields. Iraq sits at the heart of the Middle East, geographically bridging the Persian Gulf with the Levant and Turkey, while also maintaining links with both the Arab world and Iran. This geographic centrality, combined with a recalibrated foreign policy, gives Baghdad an opportunity to act as a stabilizing anchor in an otherwise fractured neighborhood.

Perhaps the most consequential element of Al-Sudani’s governance so far is his attempt to reassert state authority over Iraq’s fragmented security environment. Attacks by extremist groups have dropped dramatically-only five documented incidents this year-suggesting that the government has contained the most immediate threats. But the real test lies in addressing the militias, particularly those tied to Iran.

In a decisive move earlier this month, Al-Sudani dismissed two brigade commanders from Kataib Hezbollah following a violent clash........

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