The story: Shiite establishment parties and independents have strengthened their presence in the Iraqi parliament on the back of mass resignations by Sadrist MPs. Lawmakers from the Sadrist Movement stepped down earlier this month in response to a directive by Shiite cleric and politician Muqtada Al-Sadr. The disengagement comes after months of political deadlock over the formation of the next government. It has so far led to a similar exit from the legislature by the Iran-backed Hoquq Movement.

The coverage: Parliament Speaker Mohammed Al-Halbousi on June 13 accepted the resignations of Sadrist MPs the day before. In a special session convened on June 23, 64 out of the 73 substitute MPs were sworn in...