The Iraqi Prime Minister-designate, Ali Al-Zaidi, has finally received a green light from the United States to proceed with his mission to form the new government, provided that it meets the aspirations of Iraqis for a “more peaceful” future, in an initiative that coincides with his obtaining a mandate from the Shiite “Coordination Framework” to choose the members of his ministerial cabinet, based on partnership and the public interest of the country.
The US mission in Iraq, in a press statement issued Wednesday, expressed its “best wishes to al-Zaidi in his efforts to form a government capable of fulfilling the aspirations of all Iraqis to support a brighter and more peaceful future.”
She added, “We declare our solidarity with the Iraqi people as they strive to achieve the shared goals of preserving Iraq’s sovereignty, strengthening security to defeat terrorism, and building a prosperous future that brings tangible benefits to both Americans and Iraqis.” This support came amidst similar stances from countries such as Britain and France, as well as Qatar, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
The US mission in Iraq expressed its “best wishes to al-Zaidi in his efforts to form a government capable of fulfilling the aspirations of all Iraqis.”
Qusay Mahbouba, a leader in the “Reconstruction and Development” coalition, headed by outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, agrees that al-Zidi’s mission to head the new government depends on overcoming a possible American “veto,” based on a similar stance by US President Donald Trump, which ended the dream of the leader of the “State of Law” coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, to return to power again.
In a statement, Mahbouba said, “Ali al-Zaidi will either be a bridge for others, or they will become a bridge for him.” He believes that al-Zaidi “could be a rising political phenomenon, or he could be a major setback,” noting that his success hinges on his ability to navigate the American veto successfully.
He continued, “We don’t know the man yet—neither his ideas, nor his capabilities, nor the contours of his political personality.” He explained that “the question is whether he will be a bridge to a larger project, or whether he will turn everyone into a bridge to his own project, if he even has one.” He asserted that the Shiite “coordination framework” has “exhausted its political and moral presence on the Iraqi scene and is no longer capable of shaping Iraq’s future or monopolizing Shiite decision-making,” adding that “the framework has effectively ended, both politically and morally.”
He noted that this “could be a good thing, because the end of the political monopoly opens the door to the emergence of new equations, and perhaps a different Iraqi opportunity.” Meanwhile, Khalid Walid, deputy head of the “I Will Take My Right” movement, which is part of the “Reconstruction and Development” coalition, believes that al-Zidi’s cabinet could be passed “smoothly,” with a return to the “framework” for consultation.
In a statement to local media outlets close to the coalition, he said, “The coalition’s position is clear in supporting al-Zaydi, who is part of the solution within the coordinating framework.” He explained that “his nomination came about through consensus within the framework, and no party will bear the burden of electoral points; the political decision has been reached.” He confirmed that “al-Zaydi will return to the framework to seek advice on managing the current phase and confronting the challenges,” noting that “Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani was present at the meeting where he was appointed.”
Walid: Al-Zaydi's nomination was unanimous within the framework and was accompanied by messages of welcome internally and from a number of neighboring countries.
He noted that “al-Zidi’s nomination was unanimous within the framework and was accompanied by messages of welcome both domestically and from several neighboring countries,” considering the “so far American silence a positive indicator reflecting acceptance of his appointment.” He explained that “the post-government formation phase will witness a pragmatic approach to dealing with other countries, with a clear focus on the economic file and oil export mechanisms,” adding that “the financial situation and available liquidity support Iraq’s resilience until the end of the year.”
According to a member of the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, “Al-Sudani instructed the ministers to prepare reports outlining the most significant challenges facing the new government.” He added that he expects “Al-Zidi’s government to proceed smoothly despite the challenges, and that the cabinet formation will be aapproved without complications or clashes, given the regional circumstances.” Walid concluded by saying that “the framework committee tasked with negotiating the cabinet formation has resolved many outstanding issues.”
Last night, the leaders of the "Coordination Framework" held a meeting to discuss the formation of the cabinet and the mechanisms for resolving entitlements and selections. A statement from the "Framework" indicated that it "held its meeting in the presence of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani to discuss the formation of the anticipated government."
The statement added that “the coordination framework discussed the formation of the cabinet and the mechanisms for deciding on entitlements and choices in order to form a strong government capable of overcoming challenges,” stressing the need to “leave the final choice to the prime minister-designate to select the members of the ministerial team.”
The framework stressed the importance of “partnership and prioritizing the public interest by strengthening choices according to the standards of integrity, efficiency and national responsibility,” emphasizing the importance of “harmony in the next government team to overcome challenges and achieve the aspirations of all the Iraqi people.”
Al-Zidi enjoys the support of al-Sudani, who recently instructed his cabinet ministers to provide support to the prime minister-designate. During the last cabinet meeting, al-Sudani issued several directives to his ministers regarding facilitating the work of the new government, focusing on "providing support to the prime minister-designate during his term and facilitating the work of the new government."
Al-Zidi enjoys the support of Al-Sudani, who recently instructed his cabinet ministers to provide support to the designated president.
Al-Sudani said, according to a press statement: “The largest parliamentary bloc was able to nominate a candidate for the premiership, and the constitutional mandate letter was issued to him by the President of the Republic,” directing the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers to “form a central committee with all ministries to prepare the ministerial portfolio for each minister.”
He added, “Each minister is required to provide a clear briefing to help the new minister understand the important files, and this briefing should include an honest and professional evaluation of the work and the managers.” He continued, “The journey of serving our country and our people, and building the state, will continue amidst these serious challenges and difficult turning points that have disrupted the calculations of even stable and emerging nations.” Al-Sudani concluded, “The next phase requires the concerted efforts of everyone to ensure the continued service of our people.”
