Sparked by the Gaza war, increased strikes on American targets highlight the weakness of an Iraqi government pinned between opposing political and military forces.

Increasingly frequent attacks deep inside KRG territory pose danger for civilians and underscore challenges for diplomacy.

A splintering of opposition groups in Iraqi Kurdistan is complicating efforts to meet Iranian demands for secure borders in order to avoid more drone and missile attacks.

Rising investment of military resources signals enduring power of politically connected armed groups.