Coordination Framework fears potential Al-Sadr-Al-Sudani alliance ahead of Iraq's election
The meeting, held at the office of former Prime Minister and Al-Nasr Coalition leader Haider al-Abadi, focused on the repercussions of Al-Sadr's recent statements. An informed source within the Framework told a local news agency that the coalition is grappling with how to respond to this 'new equation.'
Al-Sadr's calculated move: An alternative path
Despite maintaining his personal boycott of the November 11, 2025 elections and recently disavowing dozens of his own followers for running against his decision, Al-Sadr on Monday hinted at a new strategy. He signaled his readiness to support an 'alternative bloc' that publicly commits to his comprehensive reform program.
The key tenets of Al-Sadr's program include ensuring Iraq's independence, confining all weapons to the hands of the state, strengthening the army and police, dissolving militias, and formally organizing the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) within a new legal security framework.
The Framework's fear: A Sadr-Sudani alignment
According to the source, these reformist conditions, particularly regarding state control of arms and the PMF, conflict with the policies of several key parties within the Coordination Framework. More alarmingly for some, they align with the perceived leanings of their own prime minister.
'Some leaders within the Framework have detected what they consider to be preliminary signals of an unannounced alignment between Al-Sadr and the leanings of Al-Sudani on this matter,' the source explained. 'These leaders fear that Al-Sadr could provide indirect support to Al-Sudani in the upcoming elections,' creating a powerful new rival bloc that could challenge their dominance.
The Framework's meeting reportedly stressed the need to contain any shifts in Shia voter sentiment that could lead to a fragmentation of their power base.
Political analyst Atheer Al-Sharaa noted that Al-Sadr's recent publication of his old 'Triple Alliance' documents was a 'clear rejection of consensus-based politics,' suggesting he feels betrayed by past allies and is unwilling to repeat the experience. He added that any genuine consensus would be complex, as Al-Sadr's condition of disarming all factions has been met with rejection by some armed groups.
As the November election approaches, Al-Sadr's latest move has successfully reshuffled the political deck. The Coordination Framework now faces the complex challenge of managing not only its primary rival but also the potential for a powerful new political axis to form around its own Prime Minister.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
9 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Syrian Minister: Suwayda agreement could lead to political solution
Shafaq News – Damascus Syrian Information Minister Hamza al-Mustafa said Saturday that a new agreement reached in the southern province of Suwayda offers an opening for political dialogue and a way out of the recent unrest. Speaking at a press conference in Damascus, al-Mustafa said the deal would be implemented in phases, describing the current period as a 'sensitive transitional phase.' He added that the government is working to open humanitarian corridors between Suwayda and the neighboring Daraa province to facilitate aid delivery. The remarks follow an announcement by the Syrian presidency of a 'complete and immediate' ceasefire in Suwayda, where deadly clashes in recent days left at least 900 deaths. The presidency warned that any breach of the truce would be treated as a violation of national sovereignty and prosecuted accordingly. However, fighting resumed just hours after the announcement. Al-Mustafa criticized a recent statement from the Druze religious leadership, saying its wording 'encourages displacement' and accused senior Druze cleric Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri of using language that invites foreign intervention. 'The presence of the state in Suwayda is the solution, not the problem,' he said, asserting that the Syrian government remains committed to protecting all its citizens. He acknowledged that some violations had occurred in recent weeks but government forces had also been attacked in multiple ambushes, prompting a wider security response. 'A group inside Suwayda has claimed the state is the source of the crisis, but we affirm the state's role in providing essential services and ensuring a normal life for residents,' he added. A government emergency committee comprising several ministries and agencies has been formed to oversee the delivery of humanitarian and medical assistance in affected areas.
Shafaq News
10 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Muqtada al-Sadr signals return to Iraqi politics
Shafaq News – Baghdad The Iraqi Patriotic Shiite Movement, led by Muqtada al-Sadr, is seriously considering participation in the upcoming 11 November parliamentary elections, a senior official from the movement revealed on Saturday. The figure, speaking to Shafaq News on condition of anonymity, cited al-Sadr's recent tweet—'We elect the lamp of guidance, and board the ship of salvation'—as more than symbolic. 'This tweet marks a clear turning point, reflecting renewed momentum in our commitment to addressing the concerns of the Iraqi people,' he explained, emphasizing the movement's ongoing opposition to corruption, foreign influence, and sectarian governance. While participation in the elections is under active consideration, any decision will be based on a comprehensive national reform vision that prioritizes public interest over factional gains. 'Our goal is not to seek power for its own sake, but to advance a national project that restores dignity to the people and strengthens the legitimacy of the state,' the official added. A final announcement is reportedly expected within days. In Iraq's 2021 parliamentary elections, al-Sadr's bloc secured 73 seats, becoming the largest parliamentary group. However, in 2022, he unexpectedly withdrew from political participation over corruption allegations. Observers note that a potential return could disrupt current political calculations and even affect the timing of the upcoming vote.
Shafaq News
12 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Iraqi PM inspects Baghdad Forest Project: 500,000 tons of waste removed
Shafaq News – Baghdad Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani conducted a field visit on Saturday to the Baghdad Sustainable Forest Project, revealing that half a million tons of waste have already been removed from the site. Launched in December, the initiative aims to transform more than 12 million square meters of the former al-Rasheed Military Camp into a sprawling ecological and recreational zone. Planned features include an artificial lake, green spaces, walking paths, sports facilities, restaurants, wellness centers, and a hotel, according to a statement from al-Sudani's media office. During the visit, al-Sudani ordered full soil decontamination and the removal of encroachments and industrial activity, while urging authorities to provide resettlement options for displaced families. More than 500,000 tons of accumulated waste have already been cleared—a step the prime minister described as vital to easing congestion and improving Baghdad's air quality. The project comes amid growing alarm over Iraq's declining green cover. Environmental studies show vegetation has dropped from nearly 50% in the past decades to just 17% today, with forests covering less than 2% of the country's land. Rapid urbanization, climate change, and years of weak enforcement have driven widespread desertification and farmland loss. Experts say projects like the Baghdad Forest are critical to restoring Iraq's ecological balance —and provide much-needed environmental and social relief in densely populated areas.
