Latest news with #Nourial-Maliki
Iraqi News
2 days ago
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Al-Maliki: Iraq Will Not Be an Arena for Settling Scores
Baghdad-INA The head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, confirmed today, Sunday, that Iraq will not be an arena for settling scores. The media office of the head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, stated in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), that "the head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, received today in his office the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Iraq, Elbrus Kutrashev." He added that "the two sides exchanged views and perspectives on Russia's relations with Iraq and the mutual visits between officials of the two friendly countries." He noted that "regional and international developments in the region, particularly in Syria, Palestine, and Lebanon, and the repercussions of the Russian-Ukrainian war, were reviewed, in addition to the ongoing negotiations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America." According to the statement, the head of the State of Law Coalition pointed to "the importance of expanding the prospects of joint cooperation between Iraq and the Russian Federation in a manner that serves the interests of the two friendly peoples," explaining that "the Middle East is facing serious challenges that require work and cooperation to preserve security and stability and protect it from dangers." He stressed that "Iraq will not be an arena for settling scores." For his part, the Russian ambassador praised Iraq's efforts to "consolidate the foundations of peace in the region," stressing "Moscow's commitment to maintaining bilateral cooperation in the service of the security, stability, and prosperity of both countries."
Shafaq News
6 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Baghdad: Ground zero in the battle for Iraq's Parliament
Shafaq News/ Iraq's old-guard power players are reclaiming the spotlight as Capital Frontmen, each locking in the number one ballot position in Baghdad ahead of a high-stakes parliamentary election in the country's most contested arena. Among the political 'veterans' contesting the capital are Nouri al-Maliki, leader of the State of Law Coalition; Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani of the Euphrates Movement (Al-Furatain); Hadi al-Ameri, head of the Badr Organization; Former Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi of the Taqaddum Party; and Mohsen al-Mandalawi, head of the Al-Asas Coalition. All are entering the race with individual lists. These figures remain "popularly accepted" in Baghdad, according to Mukhtar al-Moussawi, a senior official in the Badr Organization, who described, to Shafaq News Agency, the upcoming election on November 11, 2025, as 'difficult and decisive,' reflecting rising tensions within the ruling coalition and beyond. It remains unclear where the largest voting bloc will lean, especially if the previous election serves as a benchmark. At the time, the Sadrist Movement secured 27 seats before its leader, Muqtada al-Sadr, withdrew his parliamentary bloc amid fierce disputes over the results and subsequent calls to rerun the vote. Al-Moussawi attributed the fragmentation to recent moves by al-Sudani to distance himself from the Coordination Framework, a Shiite bloc that underpins much of the current government. Al-Sudani's Coalition Al-Sudani unveiled a broad electoral alliance under the banner of the "Reconstruction and Development Coalition' bringing together seven political forces: al-Sudani's own Euphrates Movement, the Bilad Sumer Gathering led by Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi, the National Coalition of former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, Karbala Innovation Alliance headed by Karbala Governor Nassif al-Khattabi, Ajyal Bloc of MP Mohammed al-Sayhoud, National Solutions Alliance led by Mohammed Sahib al-Daraji, and the National Contract party led by Faleh al-Fayyadh. The Coordination Framework, once a unified force, will now enter the vote with multiple lists. State of Law, Asaib Ahl al-Haq, and Ammar al-Hakim's Hikma Movement are each fielding their slates. Still, leaders maintain the option to reunify post-election, potentially forming a consolidated bloc depending on the outcome. All eyes are now on the potential gains of several blocs, particularly those that underperformed in Baghdad during the last election compared to the Sadrists' strong showing. Key questions linger about the possibility of the State of Law Coalition surpassing its previous 11-seat tally, or the Euphrates Movement winning more than a single seat. Similar doubts surround other factions that secured only minimal representation at the time. Regional and Local Contexts Political analyst Mujashaa al-Tamimi framed the return of veteran leaders as part of a larger recalibration driven by internal and regional developments. Domestically, Baghdad's role as the epicenter of political power has magnified its importance, making it a crucial battleground for influence. 'The resurgence of younger, reform-oriented figures poses a visible challenge to traditional elites,' al-Tamimi noted to Shafaq News, emphasizing that these established leaders are keen to reinforce their relevance and maintain control of the political narrative. Regionally, Iraqi factions are navigating shifting dynamics. Waning Iranian influence, changes in Syria's political regime, and pressure on Hezbollah in Lebanon have redrawn the regional landscape. Also, Ongoing US-Iran talks, viewed as nearing resolution, may further reshape power alignments, prompting Iraqi players to seek legitimacy at home. 'Elections in Baghdad send the clearest message, those who want to influence Iraq's future must begin here, not in neighboring capitals,' al-Tamimi added. Baghdad: The Heart of Competition Former MP Kazem al-Sayyadi pointed to Baghdad's electoral weight, 69 parliamentary seats, equal to roughly five southern provinces combined, as the core reason for the fierce contest. He also flagged growing concerns over vote-buying, with reports of ballots fetching up to one million dinars or $300 in some districts, as he revealed to Shafaq News. Despite the mounting momentum, the race remains unpredictable. Former lawmaker Kamel al-Ghurairi observed that while some figures wield nationwide influence, 'no single leader is guaranteed dominance in Baghdad,' he stated in an interview with Shafaq News. Iraq's Independent High Electoral Commission confirmed that over 29 million Iraqis are eligible to vote, with ongoing updates to the voter registry. Campaigning is expected to begin shortly before the election date.
Shafaq News
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
No division: Al-Maliki appeals for Arab solidarity ahead of Baghdad Summit
Shafaq News/ As Baghdad prepares to host the 34th Arab League Summit, Nouri al-Maliki, leader of Iraq's State of Law Coalition, called on Arab nations, on Wednesday, to set aside divisions and pursue collective solutions to regional challenges. In a statement received by Shafaq News Agency, al-Maliki said Iraq's repeated selection as summit host reflects 'its active engagement in regional affairs and its reliability as a partner in addressing shared concerns,' emphasizing that holding the summit in Baghdad on May 17 is not just symbolic but underscores Iraq's readiness to assume a leadership role in promoting Arab cooperation. 'These challenges require an effective forum where Arab leaders can gather in their second home—Iraq—to jointly respond to ongoing developments.' He also urged participating nations to prioritize collective interests over political rifts. 'We hope our Arab brothers will show solidarity and address the region's demands without being drawn into division.' To translate summit discussions into concrete results, al-Maliki proposed forming ministerial-level committees focused on foreign affairs, reconstruction, and economic development. 'We want this summit to be effective and successful,' he stressed. 'And to lay the foundation for greater coordination and integration in the face of threats that affect us all.'
Iraqi News
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Al-Maliki: Holding the Arab Summit in Baghdad is Evidence of Iraq's Commitment to its Role
Baghdad-INA The head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, confirmed on Wednesday that holding the Arab Summit in Baghdad is evidence of Iraq's commitment to its role and obligations. He expressed his hope for Arab countries' solidarity in confronting challenges, avoiding problems and disputes. In a speech on the occasion of the Arab Summit in Baghdad, which was followed by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), al-Maliki said, "Holding the Arab Summit in Baghdad once again proves that Iraq is a true and genuine partner with Arab leaders in confronting challenges." He added, "Holding the Arab Summit in Baghdad is evidence of Iraq's commitment to its role and obligations." He added, "The Arab world is experiencing internal and external challenges, as it is an essential and vital part of the region and the world." He noted that "the challenges facing the region require such a summit, in which Arab leaders meet in their second homeland, Iraq, to confront developments and challenges." He continued, "Iraq's hosting of the Arab Summit more than once proves that Iraq wants to contribute to addressing and interacting with the nation's affairs," expressing his hope that "the Arab countries participating in the summit will show solidarity in order to confront challenges, avoiding problems and disagreements." "We hope that our Arab leaders will pay attention to the demands that will be presented at the Arab Summit. Meetings of the ministers of foreign affairs, reconstruction, and economy must be held so that the summit can bear its significant fruits, which shape the wills of the countries." Al-Maliki said. He concluded, "We hope that the summit will be successful and effective, establishing a stage of communication and integration to confront the challenges facing all."
Shafaq News
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Shiite Coordination Framework cracks wide open ahead of Iraq 2025 Vote
Shafaq News/ Six months ahead of Iraq's scheduled parliamentary elections on November 11, 2025, the Shiite Coordination Framework (CF), once unified under a common platform, is showing visible cracks. Despite previous electoral successes, internal disagreements, ambitions, and strategic recalculations have led its main factions to prepare to contest the elections separately — a move that reflects both political pragmatism and deep-seated rivalries. Framework's Position after 2021 In the October 2021 elections, the Shiite Coordination Framework — a coalition of major Shiite forces — managed to recover politically after an initially poor showing. While the Sadrist Movement emerged as the largest Shiite bloc with 73 seats, the Framework — after judicial interventions and post-election alliances — ultimately secured a dominant role in shaping the government, particularly following Muqtada al-Sadr's withdrawal from the political process. Major Framework components, including the State of Law Coalition led by Nouri al-Maliki, the Fatah Alliance led by Hadi al-Amiri, and other smaller Shiite parties, consolidated enough influence to form a governing alliance. Their combined strength, supported by allied independents, gave them considerable leverage in parliamentary votes, despite not having initially won a majority at the polls. A Shifting Electoral Strategy in 2025 Now, as the November 2025 elections approach, the dynamics inside the Framework have shifted dramatically. Rather than contesting under a single electoral umbrella, the Framework forces plan to participate through multiple separate lists — a strategy driven by a mixture of financial disputes, political positioning, and efforts to maximize overall seat gains. A senior source told Shafaq News that the recent withdrawal of the Iraq Hawks Movement (Harakat Suqoor al-Iraq), led by Qasim al-Daraji, from Al-Maliki's State of Law Coalition was primarily due to funding disagreements. According to the source, the movement had expected financial backing from Al-Maliki himself, which ultimately failed to materialize, prompting the split. This rift is symptomatic of a broader trend: within the Shiite house (al-beit al-Shi'i), electoral preparations are now focused on establishing distinct lists to allow each faction to measure its true electoral weight and negotiate from a position of strength after the polls. New Electoral Lineups The emerging electoral map within the Framework includes: -The State of Law Coalition: Led by Nouri al-Maliki, this list will encompass the Daawa Party (headed by Al-Maliki), the Bashair Movement (headed by Yasser al-Maliki), and the Al-Nahj Al-watani Party (headed by Ahmad Al-Rabiee) -Al-Furatain List: Headed by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, it will include the Sanad Bloc led by Labor and Social Affairs Minister Ahmed al-Asadi and the Ataa Movement led by Popular Mobilization Commission (PMC) chief Faleh al-Fayyad. -Victory Alliance (Nasr): Led by former Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, in cooperation with Ammar al-Hakim's Wisdom Movement (Al-Hikma) and several independent political actors. -Asaib Ahl al-Haq: The powerful armed and political faction led by Qais al-Khazali is preparing to run on a separate list, although discussions are ongoing about potential alignments with other minor forces. According to Shafaq sources, this strategy reflects an attempt to avoid the intra-list competition and fragmentation that plagued previous elections under unified banners. Collapse of the "Qarar" Alliance Further complicating matters is the unraveling of the Qarar Alliance (Decision), an attempted unification project led by Al-Sudani and Hadi al-Amiri of the Fatah Alliance. Initially envisioned as a comprehensive front to contest the elections jointly, the alliance faltered due to differences between the two leaders, reportedly over the leadership of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and disagreements regarding the stalled PMF law in Parliament. Negotiations with Ahmed al-Asadi, leader of the Sanad Bloc, also broke down, further scattering the once-projected alliance into separate electoral trajectories. Motivations Behind the Division According to observers, several factors underlie the decision by Framework forces to splinter into multiple electoral lists: -Maximizing Seats: By contesting separately, the Framework factions hope to widen their overall parliamentary footprint. Fragmented lists could appeal to different Shiite constituencies and reduce vote wastage under Iraq's semi-open list electoral system. -Internal Power-Balancing: Running separately allows each faction to assess its real political strength in terms of votes and seats, thus reshaping the post-election negotiations based on actual popular support rather than presumptive power-sharing formulas. -Flexibility in Coalition Building: A post-election merger of winning Shiite lists into a broader governing alliance would provide more leverage during cabinet formation talks. As one Framework source put it, 'Forming alliances after results allows each party to know its weight and public base.' Risks and Uncertainties However, the division strategy is not without risks. Competing lists could split the Shiite vote in several constituencies, potentially benefiting non-Framework parties or independent candidates, especially in Baghdad and southern provinces. Additionally, coordination failures could leave some Framework parties underperforming, weakening the Shiite bloc's ability to secure a comfortable parliamentary majority. Moreover, the Framework's historical rival, the Sadrist Movement (currently the Patriotic Shiite Movement), while currently boycotting political life, remains a wildcard. A sudden return by Al-Sadr or an alliance of independents and smaller parties could disrupt the Framework's plans.
