The Algerian explains the scenario for choosing Al-Zidi for the position of Prime Minister

Abdul Rahman al-Jazaeri, head of the political body of the National Tribal Movement, explained the mechanisms and scenario behind the selection of Ali al-Zaidi for the position of Prime Minister.

Al-Jazaeri told Al-Maalouma, “There is a trend towards independent figures, especially since the religious authority has closed its doors to politicians. Therefore, an independent candidate avoids the quota system and partisanship.”

He added, “The unanimous agreement on al-Zaidi was followed 60 minutes later by his appointment as Prime Minister by the President of the Republic. This confirms that there is a democratic process in Iraq to address the errors and the agreed-upon criteria.”
He explained that “the selection was made after an agreement between the teams of Maliki and Sudani and those who joined them. The selection was made according to an agreement concluded 48 hours prior, after postponing the framework meeting and agreeing on al-Zaidi with all the specifications of the coordinating framework, regardless of the points held by each party and bloc.”

Almaalomah.me

A move to appoint 3 vice presidents, with Maliki at the forefront.

Hashim al-Haboubi, a leader in the National Accord Movement, revealed on Wednesday a serious political move to reinstate the position of Vice President of the Republic and appoint three individuals to these posts. He indicated that the Speaker of Parliament alluded to this move publicly during his speech at the presidential swearing-in ceremony.
Al-Haboubi told Al-Maalomah News Agency, “Current information and leaks confirm the intention to appoint three Vice Presidents, with Nouri al-Maliki, leader of the State of Law Coalition, at the forefront. The other two positions will be allocated to the Sunni component and the Kurdistan Democratic Party.”

He added, “Reviving these positions comes at a time when the duties of the President of the Republic are viewed as largely ceremonial. However, recruiting three Vice Presidents will cost the state treasury enormous sums of money and impose additional burdens.”
Al-Haboubi explained that “the Speaker of Parliament clearly indicated this move during the presidential swearing-in ceremony, which confirms the existence of prior political agreements in this regard.”

Almaalomah.me

The dollar surges in Iran, nearing 180,000 tomans.

Foreign currency prices in Iran’s free market saw a sharp rise on Wednesday, amid a worsening economic crisis and the continued crippling naval blockade of its ports, with the US dollar exceeding 180,000 tomans, marking an increase of nearly 8 percent compared to the previous day.

The jump comes at a time when traders and observers link the decline of the toman to renewed concerns about the repercussions of the war, especially with talk of the fragility of the ceasefire and the possibility of a return to military confrontations, which usually prompts individuals and companies to increase demand for the dollar and gold to hedge against further deterioration.

The exchange rate in Iran is one of the most sensitive indicators of political and security crises, as any external escalation or tightening of sanctions is often quickly reflected in the free market, before its effect is transferred to the prices of imported goods, gold and the cost of living.

Shafaq.com

First US comment on al-Zaidi’s appointment as Prime Minister of Iraq

The United States mission in Iraq expressed its support on Wednesday for Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zubaidi in his efforts to form a government capable of fulfilling the aspirations of all Iraqis for a brighter and more peaceful future.

In a statement, the mission reiterated its solidarity with the Iraqi people as they strive to achieve the common goals of preserving Iraq’s sovereignty, enhancing security to defeat terrorism, and building a prosperous future that delivers tangible benefits to both Americans and Iraqis.

First US comment on al-Zaidis appointment as Prime Minister of IraqThis comes in conjunction with the announcement by the ruling Shiite Coordination Framework forces in Iraq, on Monday, April 27, of the nomination of al-Zaidi for the premiership, following the withdrawal of outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and the leader of the State of Law Coalition, former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, from the race for the position, thus ending the political deadlock that lasted for about 5 months after the parliamentary elections held in the country at the end of 2015.

Shafaq.com

Washington: Democrats are considering suing Trump if he continues the war on Iran.

Sources in the US Congress reported on Wednesday that a number of Democrats are considering filing a lawsuit against President Donald Trump if he decides to continue the war after May 1 without obtaining formal approval from the legislative authority.

Time magazine stated that this legal deadline, which began with the US administration informing Congress of the start of military operations against Iran on February 28, puts Trump before two constitutional options: either obtaining clear authorization to continue the war, or providing written justifications that allow the extension of operations for an additional 30 days under the title of “ensuring a safe withdrawal of forces.”

The magazine quoted sources in Congress as saying that the Democrats have not yet made a final decision on resorting to the judiciary, as they prefer at the present stage to exhaust the legislative tools within Congress before taking any escalatory step.

She added that Senator Adam Schiff intends to push for a new vote this week on a draft resolution aimed at restricting Trump’s powers to wage wars without returning to the legislative institution.

Since the start of the war on Iran, a number of Democratic representatives have escalated their criticism of the Trump administration, warning of the “dangers” of expanding the scope of military escalation, and of a possible overreach of the president’s constitutional powers in managing foreign operations without clear legal cover.

Shafaq.com

Iraqi Oil Ministry launches first phase of Bin Omar gas investment with a capacity of 80 million cubic feet per day

The Ministry of Oil inaugurated on Wednesday the first phase of the accelerated Bin Omar gas investment project in the Nahr Bin Omar field, in a move aimed at enhancing associated gas investment and supporting the energy system in Iraq.

In this regard, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Oil for Gas Affairs, Izzat Saber Ismail, said in a speech he delivered during the ceremony that the project was completed in record time, as work started in the first week of this month and was completed before its end, thanks to the continuous efforts made by the technical and engineering staff around the clock.

He stressed that “the gas sector enjoys exceptional attention from the government and the Ministry of Oil, as it represents a fundamental pillar in supporting the national economy and enhancing energy security,” indicating that “the ministry is working to achieve optimal investment in gas, whether associated or free, in a way that contributes to reducing waste and maximizing revenues.”

The Undersecretary explained that “the project includes extending a pipeline with a length of (5) kilometers and a diameter of (20) inches, to connect the gas system, with an initial investment capacity ranging between (70 – 80) million standard cubic feet per day.”

He added that the project will contribute to supplying between (55-65) million standard cubic feet per day of dry gas to feed power plants, and producing between (500-600) tons per day of liquefied gas to meet the needs of the local market, as well as producing about (1800) barrels per day of condensates, which will support national revenues.

Shafaq.com

Al-Zaydi receives support from Al-Maliki and assurances from Al-Amiri, Al-Hakim, and Al-Khazali

Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zidi intensified his meetings with leaders of the Coordination Framework on Wednesday, as part of consultations to form the new government, amid calls to expedite the formation of a national cabinet capable of facing challenges and enhancing stability.

Al-Zaydi met with Hadi al-Amiri, Secretary-General of the Badr Organization, where they discussed the latest political developments and efforts to form a new government, as well as the most pressing challenges. Al-Amiri stressed the need to form a national government that meets the needs of the citizens and strengthens stability.

The head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, also received al-Zaydi and discussed with him the situation in the country and the region, emphasizing the importance of unifying the efforts of national forces and working in a spirit of cooperation and partnership to form a government capable of consolidating Iraq’s unity and preserving its sovereignty. Al-Maliki expressed his support for al-Zaydi in his efforts to form a government that serves the public interest and enhances security and stability.

In another meeting, the head of the National State Forces Alliance, Ammar al-Hakim, received the prime minister-designate, stressing the importance of the government formation reflecting the will of the Iraqi people in all its diversity and components.

Al-Hakim stressed the need to empower competent individuals in ministries, and to cooperate with the House of Representatives and the Supreme Judicial Council in enacting laws, while emphasizing the importance of completing the service and economic projects initiated by the previous government.

He also called for openness to the regional and international environment, setting priorities, foremost among them the financial and economic challenge, as well as diversifying sources of income and oil export outlets, reforming the banking sector and attracting foreign investments.

On the security front, Al-Hakim stressed the need to maintain security stability, support security agencies, and enhance intelligence efforts to prevent the return of terrorism.

Al-Zaydi also met today with the Secretary-General of the Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq movement, Qais al-Khazali, where the two sides discussed developments in the country and stressed the need to exert maximum efforts to form a national government capable of facing current challenges and providing services to citizens.

Al-Zaydi also met today with the head of the Supreme Islamic Council of Iraq, Humam Hamoudi, and discussed with him ways to expedite the formation of a new national government that meets the aspirations of citizens to enhance services and consolidate stability throughout Iraq, according to a statement issued by his office.

The coordinating framework had agreed, on Tuesday evening, to grant al-Zidi the freedom to choose his cabinet, after he announced his nomination for the premiership on Monday evening, following the withdrawal of Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Nouri al-Maliki from the race for the position.

Shafaq.com

The coordinating framework is meeting tonight with Al-Zaydi to outline the roadmap for the new government.

A source within the coordination framework revealed that political and party leaders will hold their first meeting this Wednesday evening with Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zidi to discuss the formation of the new cabinet.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that the attendees will discuss during the meeting the roadmap for the next government according to the official standards and weights allocated to each ministerial portfolio.

He added that Al-Zaydi is conducting visits to all the influential leaders within the coordination framework, to agree on mechanisms for forming the government and to learn about the visions of the political leaders, before the meeting scheduled for the evening.

Al-Zaidi’s meetings, up until this morning, included Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Nouri al-Maliki, Ammar al-Hakim, Hadi al-Amiri, and Qais al-Khazali.

The coordinating framework had agreed, on Tuesday evening, to grant al-Zidi the freedom to choose his cabinet, a day after he announced his nomination for the premiership following the withdrawal of outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki from the race for the position.

Shafaq.com

Two experts disagree on the UAE’s withdrawal from OPEC, ranging from a price collapse to a limited impact.

Iraqi oil and economic experts have differing opinions on the repercussions of the United Arab Emirates’ withdrawal from OPEC, ranging from warnings of a sharp drop in oil prices to estimates that rule out a major impact on the global market.

Oil expert Dirgham Muhammad Ali told Shafaq News Agency that the UAE’s withdrawal could lead to an uncontrolled increase in production outside the quota system, threatening a large surplus in oil supply.

He added that any uncalculated increase in supply would lead to severe pressure on prices, potentially resulting in significant price drops or even a market collapse, especially if the commitment of the remaining countries within the OPEC+ alliance is weak.

He pointed out that the oil market is based on a balance of supply and demand, and that any disruption from a major producer such as the UAE will have direct and rapid repercussions, noting that Iraq will be among the most affected, as it depends on oil revenues for more than 90 percent of its budget.

In contrast, economist Mohammed Al-Hassani ruled out a major impact, stressing that the UAE’s withdrawal would not necessarily lead to a collapse in prices, and that its impact would be limited as long as coordination continued within the “OPEC+” alliance.

He explained that the oil market is now affected by multiple factors, including global demand, geopolitical tensions, and the ability of major countries, especially Saudi Arabia, to balance the market by adjusting production levels.

He added that the UAE may continue to coordinate informally with producers, which reduces the likelihood of a price shock, indicating that any potential decline will affect Iraq, but it will not necessarily be a sharp collapse as feared.

This debate comes at a time when global markets are watching closely to see how well producers will adhere to production control policies, and the impact of geopolitical developments on supply and demand levels.

The UAE announced that it would withdraw from the organization and would be able to determine its own production levels, effective May 1st.

The UAE is seeking higher production quotas from OPEC due to its ability to produce far more oil than it is currently allowed to produce.

Shafaq.com

Al-Zaydi forms two teams to write the government program and select the cabinet.

On Wednesday, Abu Mithaq al-Masari, a member of the Coordination Framework, announced that the Prime Minister-designate had formed two teams to write the government program and select the cabinet, confirming that al-Zaydi had announced the procedure during his visit to the Secretary-General of the Badr Organization, Hadi al-Amiri.

Al-Masari told Shafaq News Agency that “the assignment of the Coordination Framework to Al-Zidi to form the government is a serious and official assignment, and his visits today to the leaders and commanders of the Coordination Framework confirm his seriousness in expediting the formation of the government.”

For its part, an informed source told Shafaq News Agency that the mechanism for distributing ministries will be based on a specific number of points, with no less than ten seats for service ministries and more than 15 parliamentary seats for sovereign ministries.

The source said that the weight of the independent bodies will be determined in points after the cabinet is completed.

A source within the coordination framework revealed that political and party leaders will hold their first meeting this Wednesday evening with Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zidi to discuss the formation of the new cabinet.

The coordinating framework had agreed, on Tuesday evening, to grant al-Zidi the freedom to choose his cabinet, a day after he announced his nomination for the premiership following the withdrawal of outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki from the race for the position.

Shafaq.com