Iraq bloc may drop Maliki from PM nomination after US threats

Iraq’s ruling Coordination Framework coalition is moving towards abandoning Nouri al-Maliki’s bid for prime minister following US pressure and internal divisions, according to senior political sources.

The shift comes after what Iraq’s Foreign Ministry described on Thursday as "verbal" US messages rejecting Maliki’s nomination and warning of possible sanctions targeting Iraqi individuals and institutions, as well as a potential reassessment of relations with Baghdad.

The ministry issued the statement to clarify remarks made by Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein to a local television channel.

Senior sources within the Coordination Framework told The New Arab's sister outlet Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that "movement has already begun over the past two days to abandon Maliki by reconsidering the decision and creating new conditions to discuss the post".

The sources said Maliki had indicated he would only withdraw if two-thirds of the alliance agreed to remove him, stating that "Maliki has confirmed he is prepared to step aside if two-thirds of the Framework alliance agree to remove him".

The nomination, approved by an internal majority vote within the pro-Iran alliance, has caused divisions among its leadership. Parties within the bloc are now seeking what sources described as a new formula to reverse the decision.

Political sources from the alliance told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that "the number of political forces rejecting Maliki has increased over the past two days, with some rallying around the issue of Iraq’s supreme national interest following the US threats".

They added that "leaders of the Coordination Framework are seriously considering removing Maliki from the race for prime minister, but in a polite manner that does not anger the Islamic Dawa Party or push it to withdraw from political life or refuse to participate in the next government".

According to the same sources, a shortlist of four alternative names is under discussion. Among them is National Intelligence Service chief Hamid al-Shatri, described as the frontrunner due to his relations across the political spectrum and cooperation with international intelligence agencies, "especially the United States".

The sources also said current Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is seeking another term, but that most forces do not support him. Basra Governor Asaad al-Eidani is also reportedly being considered.

They indicated that Ammar al-Hakim, Qais al-Khazali, Haider al-Abadi, and increasingly Hadi al-Amiri, along with Hammam Hamoudi, are leaning toward withdrawing Maliki’s nomination to avoid internal disputes and possible US sanctions.

However, officials from Maliki’s State of Law Coalition rejected reports of a retreat.

Hisham al-Rikabi, director of the coalition’s office, said reports of withdrawing Maliki’s candidacy were "claims and a malicious media campaign aimed at confusing public opinion". He said the Coordination Framework "remains committed to its declared political positions and to its candidate for the next phase".

Hussein al-Sadiq, a member of the coalition, said "the current media pressure aimed at isolating Maliki or pushing him to withdraw will not succeed", stressing that the nomination was a decision of the Coordination Framework, which he described as the largest parliamentary bloc.

He added that discussion of withdrawal would only take place if agreed within the alliance, saying it was illogical for Iraq to "submit to tweets and social media posts, whether from US President Donald Trump or anyone else".

Last month, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: "The last time Maliki was in power, the country sank into poverty and massive chaos. That must not happen again… Because of his policies and crazy ideologies, if he is elected, the United States will not provide any future assistance to Iraq."

Political analyst Talal al-Jubouri told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that the Coordination Framework is "in a bind and embarrassed" over Maliki’s nomination. He said some factions are seriously considering sidelining him to prevent further US intervention in Iraqi affairs.

Al-Jubouri warned that maintaining Maliki’s candidacy could place the Shia alliance in "an open and direct confrontation" with the US administration, particularly amid US demands regarding Iraqi armed factions and ties with Iran.