Iraq’s ruling Shia bloc races to choose PM as US, Iran watch
Summary
Iraq’s largest Shia political group, the Coordination Framework, is struggling to pick a new prime minister five months after elections. The choice is between the current Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and a candidate supported by former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, while both the US and Iran watch closely because of their influence in Iraq.Key Facts
- Iraq’s Coordination Framework holds about 185 of 329 parliamentary seats and must choose a prime minister by April 26.
- Current Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani seeks a second term but faces opposition from a bloc led by Nouri al-Maliki.
- The US opposes Maliki’s candidacy due to his strong ties to Iran.
- Iran maintains significant influence over Iraqi politics through Shia groups and recently sent Ismail Qaani, head of its Quds Force, to Baghdad.
- Qaani’s visit aimed to help resolve the leadership deadlock, reportedly supporting al-Sudani over Maliki’s ally Bassem al-Badri.
- The Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), a coalition of mainly Shia armed groups allied with Iran, also play a role in the political process.
- Iraq’s political system assigns top jobs by ethno-sectarian lines: the president is a Kurd, the speaker is a Sunni Arab, and the prime minister is a Shia Arab.
- On April 11, Nizar Amedi, a Kurdish politician, was appointed president, starting the 15-day deadline for the Coordination Framework to name the prime minister candidate.
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