Al-Sudani’s concessions between Washington and the Gulf: Will they lead to a second term?
Al-Sudani’s concessions between Washington and the Gulf: Will they lead to a second term?
8-20-2025
Information / Baghdad..
Talk of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s potential second term has sparked widespread political controversy within Iraqi circles. He is accused of making internal and external concessions to ensure his continued hold on power, amid indications that political and popular forces are rejecting these moves.
Observers confirm that al-Sudani has been trying to win the favor of the United States and the Gulf states over the past period through policies accused of aligning with their agendas, particularly regarding the continued presence of US forces in Iraq and his dealings with certain political forces and factions.
These moves, according to his opponents, placed Iraq in a position of dependency and opened the door to direct interference in its sovereign decisions.
In a statement to Al-Maalouma, Ibrahim Al-Sakini, a member of the State of Law Coalition, ruled out the possibility of Al-Sudani seeking a second term, stressing that “the Iraqi people will make their choice in the upcoming elections, free from American pressure.”
He added that “Al-Sudani’s attempts to appease Washington, whether through alliances or concessions, will not achieve his goals, especially after his government’s failures in the corruption and espionage cases and its opening of suspicious channels with hostile parties.”
For his part, political observer Sabah Al-Akeili warned that Al-Sudani may resort to targeting nationalist forces and resistance factions that reject the US presence as a price for securing a second term.
He explained that “a systematic process has already begun to pave the way for the continued presence of US forces inside Iraq, which contradicts the security agreement signed between Baghdad and Washington, which stipulates a complete withdrawal by the end of 2025.”
For his part, political analyst Ibrahim Al-Sarraj warned that Al-Sudani’s second term may be conditional on him harming the Popular Mobilization Forces and relinquishing their rights.
Al-Sarraj told Al-Maalouma, “There are clear indications of an attempt to undermine the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) politically and media-wise, as evidenced by some official reports and systematic targeting incidents. All of this serves the interests of external forces seeking to weaken this institution.”
Despite al-Sudani’s attempts to appease regional and international powers, observers agree that the path is not paved for him to secure a second term.
The growing opposition within the Coordination Framework forces themselves, along with popular rejection of policies that squander sovereignty and ignore corruption cases, may make any ambition to extend his stay in power fraught with obstacles.
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