Iraq’s president ask PM-designate Ali al-Zaidi to form government
Summary
Iraq’s president asked Ali al-Zaidi, a businessman new to politics, to form a government after being chosen by the main Shiite parliamentary group. This followed a change in plans after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to cut support if Nouri al-Maliki, a former prime minister with close ties to Iran, returned to power.Key Facts
- Iraqi President Nizar Amedi officially assigned Ali al-Zaidi to form the new government.
- Zaidi is a political newcomer with a background in business and media ownership.
- The largest Shiite political alliance in Iraq, the Coordination Framework, nominated Zaidi.
- The Coordination Framework had first supported Nouri al-Maliki for prime minister.
- President Trump warned in January that the U.S. would stop aid if Maliki became prime minister again.
- Maliki and current caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani both withdrew their candidacies.
- Iraq is influenced by both the U.S. and Iran, creating complex political pressures.
- Zaidi is seen as a compromise candidate acceptable to different political forces.
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