EXPLAINER: Why do Iraq's elections matter to the world?

Contributing sentiments towards policy:

56% : Kataib Hezbollah, a powerful Shiite militia with close ties to Iran, is fielding candidates for the first time.
55% : There will be up to 600 international observers in place, including 150 from the United Nations.
50% : In recent months, Baghdad hosted several rounds of direct talks between regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran in a bid to ease tensions.
43% : While few Iraqis expect meaningful change in their day-to-day lives, the parliament elections will shape the direction of Iraq's foreign policy at a key time in the Middle East, including as Iraq is mediating between regional rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia.
39% : Alshamary, the research fellow, said Arab states will be watching to see what gains pro-Iranian factions make in the vote and, conversely, Iran will look at how Western-leaning politicians fare.
33% : Al-Sadr, a nationalist and populist leader, is also close to Iran, but publicly rejects its political influence.

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