Discussion on Iraq in Washington: Issues of sovereignty, politics, and economics

Iraq has once again found itself caught in the middle of a conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, which has exposed the political and economic weaknesses in Iraq that have existed since the 2003 invasion, especially after Tehran was subjected to an American-Israeli attack, and the Iraqi factions allied with it responded with attacks on American assets in Iraq, including the embassy, ​​according to what was published by the American website “Washington Report”.

The American website published a report , translated by Shafaq News Agency, summarizing a virtual panel discussion in which experts on Iraqi affairs participated, including former US Ambassador to Baghdad Douglas Silliman, who currently heads the US Gulf States Institute in Washington. The discussion aimed to explore how the Iran-Iraq War would affect Iraq, which remains weak and struggling due to the 2003 invasion.

The report quoted Silliman as saying that the current reality reveals Iraq’s lack of true sovereignty, explaining that the country does not control its airspace, has non-governmental armed militias allied with a foreign state operating within its borders, and does not enjoy energy independence as it relies heavily on Iran for electricity and gas.

In addition, Silliman pointed out that Iraq is heavily dependent on the United States, as it is required to deposit all oil revenues in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, recalling that US President Donald Trump recently threatened to withhold these funds if Iraq allowed former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to return to power.

According to Silliman, as quoted by the Washington Report, this war should be a wake-up call for leaders in Baghdad to start taking sovereignty issues seriously, explaining that the problem is that corruption is still widespread, and many political parties and leaders are thinking about their own selfish interests rather than national interests.

The former US ambassador to Baghdad continued, saying that, for example, corrupt leaders hampered efforts to diversify Iraq’s oil exports through Jordan and Turkey and obstructed attempts to attract much-needed private sector development to diversify the country’s oil-dependent economy.

The report quoted him as saying that “this culture of corruption and the lack of a system that actually provides economic opportunities for Iraqis has turned into a real problem.”

The report noted the lack of land routes for the country’s oil exports, given that Iraqi oil is supposed to be transported almost entirely through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed, noting that oil revenues account for about 90% of the country’s budget.

In the same virtual discussion, Luay Al-Khatib, an advisor at the American University in Iraq, warned, according to the report, that the Iraqi government would be forced to resort to severe austerity measures if the war continued, considering that it should reduce public sector salaries by no less than 50% or delay them.

He pointed out that if the government does not do this, Baghdad will have to print a huge amount of money, which will lead to increased inflation. He also noted that Baghdad must reduce the large subsidies on basic commodities such as fuel and electricity to protect the state budget and ease demand in case energy supplies become scarce.

He added that “without controlling the level of demand, it will be impossible to provide sustainable services.”

For his part, the report quoted Boston College political science assistant professor Mersin Alshammari as saying that most Iraqis, regardless of their religion or politics, “have no appetite” for war, adding that “Iraq is no stranger to being caught between Iran and Washington; this is essentially the story of Iraq after 2003, so it has some experience in maneuvering.”

According to Al-Shammari, “There is a large part of the Shiite population in Iraq who do not want to go to Iran’s aid, and who do not want to be part of this conflict at all,” adding that the reality indicates that some Shiites believe that the Islamic Republic regime has had a negative impact on Iraq’s development after 2003.

The report noted that the highest Shiite authority, Sayyid Ali al-Sistani, has always been skeptical of Iranian and American interference in Iraqi affairs, recalling that after Israel and the United States attacked Iran, he issued a statement that many described as moderate, expressing sympathy for the victims of the attack and condemning the war, but he did not attempt to mobilize the masses.

According to Al-Shammari, as reported in the report, this approach is typical of the Najaf school of Shiites, led by Sistani, explaining that Sistani is not silent as some believe, but rather “gives priority to the stability of society and the stability of the country,” and that Sistani and his followers are “political realists.”

The report quoted Al-Shammari as saying that if the Sistani religious authority had issued a fatwa after the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, stating that the Shiite community should rise up against the forces that assassinated him, then that would have “ended in a very violent and tragic war that would encompass the entire region and destroy the lives of millions of people.”

He continued, saying that “the important point is to try to find a solution that maintains stability and protects the peace that Iraqis have achieved with difficulty, at the present time.”

Shafaq.co

“Reconstruction” anticipates the framework meeting: Al-Sudani to be Prime Minister for a second term within 48 hours

The Reconstruction and Development Coalition confirmed on Monday that its leader, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, could be tasked with forming the new Iraqi government within the next 48 hours.

Coalition leader Khalid Walid told Shafaq News Agency that “the Reconstruction and Development Coalition is strongly putting forward the coalition’s leader, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, as a candidate to form the next Iraqi government,” stressing that “al-Sudani currently has a very large majority within the coordination framework, as there are more than 9 leaders within the framework who support al-Sudani and renewing his second term.”

At the national level, outside the coordination framework of other Iraqi political parties, Walid indicated that there is support from a majority of those parties for Al-Sudani to be tasked with forming the new government.

He continued: “We believe that the next (48) hours could be decisive regarding assigning Al-Sudani the task of forming the new Iraqi government, especially in light of the challenges facing Iraq, which certainly require forming a government that enjoys broad political support and is capable of overcoming all the crises the country is going through.”

The coordinating framework intends to hold a crucial meeting on Monday evening to discuss the names of nine candidates for the next prime ministership, according to the head of the Design Alliance, Amer Al-Fayez.

A political source revealed last Saturday that Basim al-Badri is considered a compromise candidate within the coordination framework for the position of the next Iraqi Prime Minister, at a time when the leaders of the framework are preparing to hold a meeting soon to officially decide on the candidate’s name.

This comes after the Speaker of Parliament called on the largest parliamentary bloc to nominate its candidate for Prime Minister within a maximum period of 15 days, based on Article 76 of the Constitution, following the election of the President of the Republic.

The process of forming a government faces additional complications, most notably the declared American position regarding al-Maliki’s return to power, and the escalating security tensions in the region, which puts political forces before the challenge of maintaining the “quota system” that has been in place since 2003 or sliding towards a comprehensive political deadlock.

Shafaq.com

US military: Any ship entering or leaving the blockaded area will be intercepted.

The US military confirmed on Monday that it would intercept any vessel entering or leaving the blockaded area.

The US military said in a memo to mariners: Neutral vessels may be subject to inspection for smuggled goods.

He added: We will not impede passage through the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian destinations, and any ship entering or leaving the blockaded area will be intercepted.

He continued: We will impose maritime control in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

The US military announced that it will begin imposing a blockade on all ships heading to or departing from Iranian ports, while allowing passage to ships that do not stop in Iran, in a move aimed at strangling Tehran’s oil exports .

In contrast, Iran strongly rejected this move, with Mohsen Rezaei, the Supreme Leader’s military advisor, asserting that his country “will not allow” the imposition of the blockade, noting that it possesses “great untapped capabilities” to counter it .

The Revolutionary Guard also warned that “any military approach to the strait will be considered a violation of the ceasefire, raising the chances of direct friction in one of the most sensitive waterways in the world.”

Shafaq.com

The return of the vice presidents: A compromise proposal to appease Maliki and Halbousi

Various political sources revealed on Monday a governmental and political movement to reactivate the position of the two vice presidents of the republic, with a proposal to assign the two positions to Nouri al-Maliki and Mohammed al-Halbousi as part of settlements aimed at achieving political balance.

A source told Shafaq News Agency that “the political forces within the State Administration Coalition are studying a mechanism to reactivate the two positions, assigning one of the seats to Maliki and the other to Halbousi,” noting that “the position may be acceptable to both figures.”

In contrast, MP Firas Al-Muslawi, spokesman for the Reconstruction and Development bloc, told Shafaq News Agency that “activating the two vice-presidential positions is open for discussion within the political understandings and is subject to consensus,” indicating that “Al-Maliki had previously rejected the position, and it is unlikely that he will accept it even if it is activated, with the possibility of a decision being issued soon on this matter being ruled out.”

Regarding the meeting of the Coordination Framework, Al-Muslawi indicated that “the leaders of the Shiite House will hold their periodic meeting today to decide on the mechanism for choosing the Prime Minister,” considering that Muhammad Shia Al-Sudani is “the most likely to be elected for a second term, with the support of the majority of the Framework’s components, especially since the Reconstruction and Development bloc has 51 seats.”

But another political source explained that “Al-Sudani received messages from conservative Shiite leaders, advising against relying on the results of the presidential election session, because the numbers are not fixed and the previous scenario may not be repeated.”

Parliament Speaker Hebat al-Halbousi had called on President Nizar Amidi, after he took the constitutional oath on Saturday (April 11), to consult with the political blocs to name the vice presidents of the republic in accordance with Article 75 of the constitution.

In 2016, Haider al-Abadi’s government abolished the positions of vice presidents as part of a package of reforms, before the Supreme Federal Court later ruled the abolition unconstitutional, stressing that the position was a constitutional duty.

Shafaq.com

Al-Badri is a compromise candidate within the coordination framework of the Prime Minister’s office.

Shafaq News – A political source revealed on Saturday that Basim al-Badri is considered a compromise candidate within the coordination framework for the position of the next Iraqi Prime Minister, at a time when the leaders of the framework are preparing to hold a meeting soon to officially decide on the candidate’s name.

Amer Al-Fayez, a leader in the Coordination Framework and head of the “Design” parliamentary bloc, told Shafaq News Agency that “the Coordination Framework will hold a meeting in the next few days to officially select a candidate for the position of Prime Minister,” indicating that “there are many names nominated for this position, but there is no agreement on selecting one of the candidates.”

For its part, a source told Shafaq News Agency that there is an “agreement between the leaders of the Coordination Framework to nominate a figure for the position of Prime Minister by consensus between the Reconstruction and Development Coalition and the State of Law Coalition.”

The source added that “Basem Al-Badri is one of the candidates currently and his name will be put forward at the next meeting of the Coordination Framework,” noting that “he has a higher chance as a compromise candidate within the framework.”

He explained that Al-Badri holds the position of head of the Accountability and Justice Commission and belongs to the Dawa Party – Iraq Organization, and has connections inside and outside Iraq, noting that Mohsen Al-Mandalawi, the former Deputy Speaker of Parliament, is also among the names being considered for the position.

This comes after the Speaker of Parliament called on the largest parliamentary bloc to nominate its candidate for Prime Minister within a maximum period of 15 days, based on Article 76 of the Constitution, following the election of the President of the Republic.

Shafaq.com

Parliament requires the largest bloc to name the prime minister within 15 days

Shafaq News – Baghdad: On Saturday, Speaker of Parliament Hebat al-Halbousi called on the largest parliamentary bloc to nominate its candidate for prime minister within a maximum period of 15 days, stressing that the constitution obliges the president and the largest bloc to complete this entitlement within the specified period.

Al-Halbousi said in a speech following the election of the President of the Republic that “the country is going through a difficult and exceptional situation, and we must all bear the legal and legitimate responsibility to lead the country to safety,” indicating that “the second step has been completed with the election of the President of the Republic.”

He added that “the President of the Republic and the parliamentary bloc that was presented in the first session, and in accordance with Article 76 of the Constitution, which is the largest parliamentary bloc, are obligated to present their candidate within a maximum period of 15 days,” noting that “Parliament will follow up on the completion of this period in accordance with the Constitution and the law.”

He explained that “the country is going through a difficult economic situation, and the caretaker government is not allowed, according to the constitution, to proceed with any financial or economic measures or reforms,” ​​stressing the need to “speed up the formation of the government because people’s livelihoods depend on it.”

For his part, the outgoing Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, congratulated Nizar Mohammed Saeed Amidi on his election as President of the Republic, stressing that “this step strengthens the path of democracy and completes the constitutional path.”

Al-Sudani added that “the next stage requires completing the crucial requirement of forming a strong coalition government in accordance with national and constitutional principles,” noting the importance of “continuing the path of development, strengthening foreign relations, and confronting security and economic challenges.”

He expressed his gratitude to the Speaker of Parliament, the members of Parliament, and the political forces that contributed to the completion of the process, appreciating the role of the Supreme Judicial Council in supporting the completion of the constitutional deadlines.

The Iraqi parliament elected Nizar Amidi, the candidate of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party, as the new president of the republic on Saturday evening, April 11.

After the new Iraqi president was sworn in, parliament decided to adjourn the session.

Shafaq.com

Who is Nizar Amidi, the new President of the Republic of Iraq?

Nizar Mohammed Saeed Amidi is a prominent Iraqi political figure who rose to prominence over the past two decades through his work in high-level state institutions, particularly the Presidency of the Republic, in addition to his activism within Patriotic Union of Kurdistan.

He was born on February 6, 1968, in the city of Amadiya in Duhok Governorate, and grew up in a Kurdish environment that clearly influenced his political leanings and later career.

Amidi earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of…Mosul During the period 1992–1993, he began his career as a physics teacher, before turning to political and party work early on within the ranks of Patriotic Union of Kurdistan He progressed through various organizational positions, including member of the Secretary-General’s office and then director of his office in the late nineties and early millennium.

His name became more prominent after 2003, when he worked as an assistant to Jalal. Talabani During the Iraqi Governing Council period, he served as President Abbas’s personal secretary, and later as his personal secretary after he assumed the presidency. Over time, he became a figure close to the centers of power, assuming various positions. Office Management President of the Republic for several consecutive terms, starting from Jalal Talabani Passing through Fuad Masoum, then Barham Salih Up to Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid This reflects the level of trust and experience he possesses in managing presidential affairs.

During his time at the presidency, Amidi undertook sensitive tasks, including representing the president in cabinet His participation in ministerial committees, as well as his role in important national initiatives such as the inclusion of the Iraqi marshes on the World Heritage List, and his participation as part of the presidential delegation at the Sharm El-Sheikh Climate Summit, reflect his engagement with international issues related to the environment and climate change.

Within his governmental role, he served as Minister of Environment in the government. Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani Before submitting his resignation in October 2024 to dedicate himself to party work, a move widely seen as a political maneuver to strengthen his presence within the party and prepare for a more prominent role on the national stage,

Nizar Amidi speaks three languages: Arabic, Kurdish, and English. He is known for his calm administrative style and extensive experience in institutional work, particularly in high-level decision-making circles. His political significance stems from his ability to forge consensus, having worked with various leaders and accumulated considerable experience in managing complex political and administrative matters.

Based on this track record, Nizar Amidi is viewed as a political figure who combines executive experience with party work, making him a suitable candidate for the presidency during a period demanding balance and wisdom in governance. Iraqi state.

Alsumaria.tv

The Iraqi parliament elects Nizar Amidi as President of the Republic.

Shafaq News – Baghdad: The Iraqi parliament elected Nizar Amidi, the candidate of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party, as the new president of the republic on Saturday.

Earlier today, the Iraqi parliament began its session to vote on a new president for the country, amid objections from some political forces due to the lack of consensus that usually precedes important and sensitive sessions.

The council failed to decide on the position in the first round of the session, as none of the four competing candidates achieved two-thirds of the votes. The council went to the second round, which was limited to Amidi and the independent candidate Muthanna Amin Nader, as they achieved the highest number of votes, with the exclusion of the candidates Fuad Hussein from the Kurdistan Democratic Party, and Abdullah Al-Ulayawi, who is also an independent candidate.

A correspondent for Shafaq News Agency said that Amidi received 227 votes, becoming the sixth president of the Republic of Iraq after 2003 and the fall of the Baath Party regime headed by the late President Saddam Hussein at the hands of the American forces and their allies.

With the election of the president, one of the most important constitutional steps is complete, pending the nomination by the Coordination Framework – as the largest bloc – of its candidate for prime minister, in order to begin forming the new federal government. This step should end the political deadlock that has plagued the country since the sixth parliamentary elections in late 2015.

Shafaq.com

“Distrust prevails”: The Washington Post reports on the talks between Iran and the United States

Distrust prevails – The Washington Post reports on the talks between Iran and the United StatesThe Washington Post reported on Saturday that long – awaited talks are set to begin in Islamabad, where the United States and Iran are seeking a way to end the war. The Iranian and American delegations arrived in Islamabad for talks on ending the war in Iran, days after the two sides agreed to a fragile ceasefire.

The report, translated by Al-Maalomah News Agency, stated that “the two sides exchanged accusations of violating the ceasefire until the last moments before the talks began. Iran criticized the continued Israeli attacks in Lebanon, asserting that the ceasefire should have included that front as well.”

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who heads the Iranian delegation, said that two measures “agreed upon by both sides have not yet been implemented”—namely, a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of frozen Iranian assets. He added in a post on the X website, “These two matters must be implemented before negotiations can begin.”

US Vice President J.D. Vance arrived in Pakistan for talks described by the Pakistani prime minister, who is hosting them, as “crucial” for permanently ending weeks of fighting in the Middle East. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a televised address, said the ceasefire between Iran and the United States was at a critical juncture, describing the negotiations as entering a difficult phase as both sides sought to move from a temporary truce to a permanent agreement.

While mistrust is expected to permeate the talks, diplomats in the region pointed to the composition of the delegations as a reason for optimism about the chances of reaching an agreement. Both Iran and the United States sent larger and higher-level delegations to the talks in Pakistan compared to the delegations sent to the nuclear negotiations between the two sides.

Almaalomah.me

Atroushi announces his refusal to attend the presidential election session “out of concern for the stability of the political process.”

On Friday, Farhad Atroushi, the deputy speaker of the Iraqi parliament, objected to the agenda of the session scheduled for Saturday to elect the president, saying that proceeding with it in the absence of national and political consensus might deepen the disputes instead of ending the deadlock that has been hindering the formation of the government for months.

In a statement, Atroushi said that political forces still need more dialogue and understandings to reach a candidate who enjoys broad acceptance, adding that the dispute is not limited to the position of President of the Republic, but also extends to the position of Prime Minister, about whom he said that political forces have the right to see the name of their candidate and express their opinion on him.

He pointed out that his position comes “out of concern for the stability of the political process and to ensure the democratic path in the country.”

Atrushi’s stance comes despite major blocs announcing their intention to attend Saturday’s session. The National State Forces Alliance, led by Ammar al-Hakim, and the Progress Party, led by Mohammed al-Halbousi, confirmed the participation of their representatives in the session. The Reconstruction and Development Bloc, supported by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, also announced its full attendance.

However, the position of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, to which Atroushi belongs, is still not definitively decided, as the party has linked its participation in the session to reaching a broader political consensus.

The parliament’s leadership had set April 11 as the date for the special session to elect the president of the republic, in an attempt to end a political deadlock that has persisted since the legislative elections in October/November 2025.

Iraq has exceeded the constitutional deadline by about 70 days, while 148 days have passed without the formation of a new government.

This comes amid the intersection of two political crises, the first being Kurdish, related to nominations for the presidency, as the Democratic Party first put forward Fuad Hussein and then Nawzad Hadi before the latter withdrew, in contrast to the Patriotic Union’s insistence on Nizar Amidi before he later spoke of an understanding on his name, and the second being Shiite, related to the premiership, after the Coordination Framework nominated Nouri al-Maliki, but his nomination was met with declared American rejection and internal disputes that divided the Framework between supporters, opponents and those with reservations, which kept the files of the two presidencies suspended until now.

Shafaq.com