Iraq PM Sudani's anti-corruption drive draws street support, commentary says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's anti-corruption fight has moved back into the spotlight with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia'ez-Sudani's recent statements and operations. Sudani has said that anyone who misappropriates public funds — whether ministers, lawmakers or party figures — will be prosecuted. The message has resonated in a country where infrastructure is in ruins, hospitals lack basic medical supplies and an energy crisis persists. Street backing for the campaign has come largely from broad segments of society that have paid the price of the country's patronage system in blood and wealth, according to commentary. Sudani's moves have placed senior figures who view themselves as above the law under threat of investigation and arrest. Commentary in Iraqi outlets links the campaign's reach to a green light and logistical backing from Washington. Analysts say the United States is pursuing two objectives: cutting off gray-financial networks that feed Iran-aligned militias, and bringing the Iraqi economy under Federal Reserve oversight and international transparency standards. The current approach is described as a softer strategy than past direct military confrontation, carried out through Iraqi actors operating under constitutional legitimacy. Corruption cases, the analysis argues, could also limit the use of Iraqi oil revenues by opposition figures while weakening regional pressure.