The framework is moving towards Maliki becoming Prime Minister, and Halbousi is resorting to the American embassy to achieve his goal.
The framework is moving towards Maliki becoming Prime Minister, and Halbousi is resorting to the American embassy to achieve his goal.
1-27-2026
The Coordination Framework has nominated Nouri al-Maliki for the position of Prime Minister by a majority vote , following a series of meetings with various parties and forces within the framework. Most of these parties agreed on al-Maliki assuming the position to address the challenges facing Iraq, despite reservations from some within the framework regarding his nomination. Meanwhile, Mohammed al-Halbousi, head of the Progress Party, announced his rejection and opposition to al-Maliki’s appointment, even though it is a right of the largest Shiite bloc. This prompted the ousted Speaker of Parliament to rush to the US Embassy to obstruct al-Maliki’s nomination and oppose him.
Raed Ali al-Dulaimi, a member of the United Anbar Alliance, told Al-Maalomah that “Mohammed al-Halbousi, head of the Progress Alliance, unexpectedly met with senior officials at the US Embassy and the Turkish Ambassador in Baghdad. He also made intensive contacts with the heads of several Gulf states and Jordan, coinciding with the Coordination Framework’s announcement of Nouri al-Maliki’s nomination for Prime Minister. Al-Halbousi’s objection to his nomination and his attempt to introduce foreign influence into the new government formation are clearly aimed at achieving his own objectives.”
He added that “the meetings and phone calls took place secretly without disclosing what agreements were made, which would lead to spreading chaos when the voting process to elect Maliki took place,” explaining that “there are many question marks behind the repeated meetings between Halbousi and the American and Turkish ambassadors, especially since they coincided with the consensus of the coordination framework on nominating Maliki for the premiership and their interference in Iraqi internal affairs.”
For his part, Salah Boushi, a member of the State of Law Coalition, told Al-Maalomah that “the failure of some political parties within the Coordination Framework to vote for Nouri al-Maliki as prime minister does not indicate divisions within the framework. Reservations within the framework are normal in the pre-government formation phase, especially since some political entities seek to solidify their political presence, which is perfectly natural.”
He explained that “some political forces have an opinion that they are pursuing to gain the best possible share of ministerial positions, and al-Maliki is treating this as a normal negotiating tactic, not an attempt to pressure him. Meanwhile, some forces are using this vote as leverage to reinforce the partnership, especially since the framework has a single, central decision-making body. Therefore, the competition within the framework may be aimed at solidifying the national partnership.”
Meanwhile, Abdul Rahman al-Jazaeri, head of the National Authority of the Tribal National Movement, explained in statements followed by Al-Maalomah that “Maliki rejects dictates and possesses a strong personality, which is something that displeases some forces within the coordination framework, despite their awareness that Maliki is the right man for this stage and has the ability to manage the country in this sensitive situation that Iraq is experiencing amidst the current challenges.”
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