Iraqi PM survives assassination attempt, ramping up tensions

Al-Kadhimi, 54, was Iraq’s former intelligence chief earlier than changing into prime minister in Could final 12 months. He’s thought of by the militias to be near the U.S., and has tried to steadiness between Iraq’s alliances with each the U.S. and Iran. Previous to the elections, he hosted a number of rounds of talks between regional foes Iran and Saudi Arabia in Baghdad in a bid to ease regional tensions.