The Role of Civil Society in Combating Political and Financial Corruption in Iraq

 Political and financial corruption is one of the most prominent challenges facing Iraq's political and economic process, and this hinders development and progress until Iraq became one of the so-called fragile states, that is, countries that do not own their political and economic decisions, and in this context we need to activate the role of civil society organizations in combating corruption by promoting transparency and accountability and raising community awareness about the dangers of corruption and its negative effects. This research aims to analyze the role of civil society organizations in Iraq in confronting political and financial corruption, by studying their work mechanisms, the main challenges they face, and the extent of their effectiveness in promoting integrity and accountability. The research relies on a descriptive and analytical approach, based on data and reports issued by local and international organizations, in addition to reviewing the legal framework that regulates the work of these organizations in Iraq. The findings indicate that civil society organizations contribute to the fight against corruption by submitting reports on corruption cases, conducting awareness campaigns, and cooperating with oversight bodies. However, CSOs face several challenges, most notably political interference and legal restrictions. The research recommends that the role of civil society organizations should be strengthened by creating a favorable legal environment, increasing cooperation between the state and these organizations, and enhancing transparency in the performance of government institutions, which will contribute to reducing corruption and promoting good governance in Iraq.