The story: Speculation over Muhammad Shia’ Al-Sudani’s political future has reached a fever pitch following a photo op with three prominent governors. Observers allege that the trio could be potential allies of Iraq’s prime minister as he may pursue a second term next year. Some analysts charge that the jockeying has widened existing divides within the ruling Shiite Coordination Framework. This has raised questions about whether the prime minister’s own supporters could spoil a possible bid to remain in office.

The coverage: Intrigue surrounding Sudani’s alleged maneuvering to secure a second term has been sparked by an image of...