US EditionIraq’s New PM-Designate: What Ali Al-Zaydi Means for Baghdad—and for Syria
The embassy said it backs efforts to protect Iraq’s sovereignty and security as al-Zaidi begins work to form a new government.
- On Monday, Kurdish President Nizar Amedi nominated businessman Ali al-Zaidi as prime minister-designate, ending a five-month political deadlock within the Coordination Framework and tasking him with forming a cabinet within 30 days.
- President Donald Trump pressured the Coordination Framework against former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, whom he viewed as too close to Iran, threatening to cut aid if al-Maliki was appointed.
- As chairman of Al-Janoob Islamic Bank, al-Zaidi is a political newcomer who must present a cabinet lineup to parliament within 30 days, requiring 167 votes for confirmation.
- Washington signaled its support this week, with the US embassy congratulating al-Zaidi on Wednesday; President Trump called him on Thursday to invite him to visit Washington.
- Iraq's new premier faces significant hurdles, including addressing Iran-backed groups and managing economic fallout from the Iran war, while the Strait of Hormuz closure threatens critical oil exports.
12 Articles
12 Articles
The Toronto Star
Trump gives his blessing to Iraq’s new pick for prime minister and invites al-Zaidi to Washington
BAGHDAD (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump called Iraq’s new prime minister-designate Thursday and extended an invitation for him to visit Washington once he has successfully formed a government, the
Iraqi politics will be crushed between pressure from Washington and Tehran. Ali al-Zaidi, the dazzling banker, is now supposed to do everything right as prime minister
President al-Sharaa congratulates Iraqi PM, stresses cooperation
Damascus, Apr. 29 (SANA) President Ahmad al-Sharaa held a phone call Wednesday with Prime Minister of Iraq Ali al-Zaidi, during which he extended congratulations on assuming office and wished him success in carrying out his duties. President al-Sharaa highlighted the strength of the ties between Syria and Iraq, stressing the importance of joint efforts to elevate bilateral relations and expand areas of cooperation in a manner that serves the int…
Since the fall of Saddam Hussein, Iraq has become more and more like Lebanon, where political power is divided with squadron and cartabon among the three religious minorities. Also in Iraq, paramilitary groups are trying to emulate Hizbollah, the Lebanese Shia political-military movement, trying to create 'a state within a state'. This explains the election of an almost unknown character, the young banker Ali al Zaidi, as Iraq's new prime minist…
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