Baghdad is witnessing thunderous chapters in the war on corruption. Factual reports are mixed with fabrications and accurate images with doctored pictures. The Baghdadis’ schadenfreude over the fall of the “big catches” has been loud and public. They watch the news: piles of dollars buried inside walls or in gardens. They pass stories of gold around and of the crowns of corruption. They laugh in the streets every time the misdeeds of a parliamentarian, a governor or a senior official are exposed in one of the state’s “mines” — and there are many.

Baghdad is witnessing thunderous chapters in the war on corruption. Factual reports are mixed with fabrications and accurate images with doctored pictures. The Baghdadis’…

Authorities have recovered tens of millions in cash and assets, but many Iraqis are questioning whether the campaign will also extend to powerful political figures