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https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/formation-iraqs-new-government-major-victory-iran-and-its-allies
Although framed as a government of solidarity between Shia, Sunni, and Kurdish factions, the Sudani government in Iraq gives Iran a significant arena in which to wield its influence.
In the aftermath of the failure by the tripartite alliance—which included the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) led by Masoud Barzani, the Sadr Movement led by Muqtada al-Sadr, and the Sunni Sovereignty lead by Khamis al-Khanjar and Mohammed al-Halbousi—to form a majoritarian national government over the last year, sudden policy changes in September finally instigated a breakthrough in Iraq’s deadlocked political scene.
More specifically, Barzani and Halbousi joined a new coalition, called the “Running the State Coalition,” with the Iran-backed Shia Coordination Framework following Sadr’s withdrawal from politics to finally form a new government. Soon after, the new coalition gave confidence to Mohammed al-Halbousi as Iraq’s Parliament Speaker and elected Abdul Latif Rashid as the country’s new president on October 13. Rashid then named Mohammed Shia al-Sudani—a candidate nominated by the Framework and with the particular support of Nouri al-Maliki—as prime minister-designate, and the new cabinet of Sudani was approved by the Iraqi parliament on October 27.
The New Coalition and a New Road Map
The agreements that led up to this new coalition between the Kurds, Sunnis, and the Coordination Framework have not all been disclosed, however, some details regarding stated coalition priorities have been released. In general, the coalition set forward goals such as fighting corruption, instituting reforms, rebalancing Iraq’s regional relations, amending or changing the electoral commission system, and emphasizing consensus among Iraqi factions. These points were again highlighted by Sudani during the presentation of his ministerial program in parliament.
Regarding the participation of the Kurds in this coalition, the first six months of the government will be crucial in ensuring Kurdish cooperation, especially when it comes to the federal law on Oil and Gas based on the constitutional understandings with the Kurdistan Region. Also important will be the 2022 Iraqi budgetary issues, the Shingal Agreement signed between the Kurdistan Regional Government and Kadhimi government in 2020 regarding the governance and security of the Shingal region, and the implementation of Article 140 of the constitution regarding Kirkuk and other disputed areas.
For their part, the participation of the Arab Sunnis in the coalition is seemingly hinged on demands that include the withdrawal of Shia militias from Sunni cities, the reconstruction of liberated provinces, changes in the counter-terrorism laws, investigations into the fate of abducted individuals, and a return of displaced peoples and refugees to their homes.
Of course, there is significant doubt that the Framework-led government will actually follow through on these promises for the Sunnis and Kurds. In fact, with a long track record of violating agreements, there is little faith in the ability or willingness of the Coordination Framework to function as one, unified entity with its “allies.”
Instead, it seems that the Coordination Framework made these promises simply as a tool for getting what they want. Having been unable to secure a two-thirds quorum in the past without the cooperation of Barzani and Halbousi, the Framework realized—with the help and influence of Iran—that new alliances would be necessary, even if superficial. When the Sadrists withdrew from politics in late August, the Framework seized the opportunity to turn tripartite allies into Framework allies for the purpose of a quorum only.
Despite the intentions and inconsistency of the Coordination Framework, the Kurds and Sunnis were essentially left with no choice but to cooperate. In the face of the Sadrists’ extreme unpredictability and a lack of consultation between the Sadrists and their tripartite allies about developments and political process in Iraq, Barzani and Halbousi saw the Coordination Framework as their only chance for stability and meaningful contribution.
Moreover, Iran and its allies expertly wielded pressure campaigns against the KDP and the Sunni Sovereignty parties to achieve agreement. While the United States remained indifferent, Iranian entities in Iraq politically, economically, and militarily pressured the Kurds and Sunnis to join with the Coordination Framework and form a government. Although framed as benefiting the interests of all, such an alliance only strengthened the position of Iran in Iraq.
What does the New Government Mean for Iraq?
Despite stating priorities, making agreements, and electing ministers, it is unlikely that the new government will institute real reform in Iraq, and there are still huge challenges that await Sudani and the parliament. Dealing with Sadr and his movement will be at the top of these challenges. Although Sadr has refused to participate in this government, he still publicly berates Sudani as “Maliki’s man” and fears that Sudani will target the Sadrist Movement. Indeed, on November 2, al-Sudani abolished all decisions that had been made by Kadhimi during his caretaker government since October 2021. Some of these radical changes to the security, political, and administrative sectors have directly targeted Sadrist Movement figures.
Consequently, it is foolish to assume that Sadr won’t continue to be a major player in the Iraqi political scene. Inevitably, the new Coordination Framework government will likely provoke Sadr and his followers, and in turn, Sadr’s anti-government demonstrations will likely start back up again. It remains to be seen whether Sudani will pursue a policy of appeasement towards Sadr to prevent this possibility early on, or if intra-Shia divisions will prevent him from doing so.
Even beyond the Sadrist Movement, Sudani’s government faces the possibility of an uprising at the hands of other actors, including the October Movement, which was responsible for the public protests that toppled former Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi’s government in 2019.
October Movement figures are still unhappy that their demands have not been met by the Iraqi government, including demands for an end to the sectarian quota system, the removal of the political elite from Iraqi politics, the accountability of Iranian-backed militias under state authority, an end to Iran’s blatant meddling in Iraqi politics, serious reforms targeting corruption and providing better basic services, and increased employment for Iraqis. With the formation of a government being led by Iran-backed allies, the October Movement could accelerate public demonstrations or create new coalitions with the Sadrist Movement to topple Sudani.
Losers and Winners in the New Government
Although a political breakthrough was long overdue in Iraq, the formation of a new government by Sudani can only be regarded as a major victory for Iran. Since the elections last year, Iran has directly engaged in the Iraqi political process and has pressured its rivals in order to undermine democratic processes, shifting the political equation in their favor despite the fact that Iran’s allies were defeated in the last elections. As it stands, the new government is a fresh start for Iran to continue strengthening its regional agenda in Iraq and beyond.
On the losing side of this equation, of course, are the Iraqi people. The new Framework-led government represents a setback for democratic processes and reforms in Iraq, and it severely lacks legitimacy. Not only is the bloc that a majority of Iraqis voted for—the Sadrist bloc—not represented in this government, but the clear influence and interference of Iran in the new government gives the Iraqi people even less confidence.
Another loser in the formation of the new government is the United States. A Sudani-led government grants Iran the ability to wield significant influence while disregarding the needs of the Iraqi people, and this speaks to the increasing indifference of the United States toward its own allies and the institution of democracy in Iraq. Indeed, the United States has remained silent about Iranian meddling in Iraqi politics, and has largely pursued a policy of disengagement in the Iraqi theater that has allowed Iran to expand its sphere of influence.
https://www.usip.org/publications/2023/11/iraqs-al-sudani-government-one-year-later
https://theintercept.com/2023/03/17/iraq-war-iran-cables/
Iraq’s prime minister says that these U.S. led air strikes will lead to instability and disruption and it is attacking its sovereignty. I say your Country is not stable now housing or allowing terrorists to operate freely inside your so called sovereign country. Why have your own forces thrown out or destroyed these groups in your Country? It’s because it because Iran helped put you in power and they really control your Country. So much for your false idea of any self sovereignty snd stability. Total false narrative of reality.
Trump spends more time in courtrooms than Ted Bundy and Perry Mason combined!!!! Geez GOO can you not find some other imbecile to run here??? Too funny!!!!
Good deal then. Biden is in good hands then to win another election for his handlers.
Now Biden just has to clean up all the hooligans and criminal his government allowed into our Country illegally. You know the ones beating up cops in nyc and then being set free thereafter. It could have been a learning moment for punishment or banishment from our Country. But instead it becomes a learning moment for these illegals tgat anything goes and without punishment as others now will pay dearly that live here freely as American’s bearing the brunt of these illegalsBS towards authority and the rule of law. Biden missed a golden opportunity to set the example again and failed.
You are correct I will never understand elitist types. Those who report to no one even though they are public figures and answer to us. Yes I would not know how their brains get mixed up as to whom they work for here.
Time will tell on A.I. bad actors they have had a large amount of time ahead of any well meaning legislation. I truly believe it will never be controlled by any such legislation, similarly with big tech killing children.
Women like Biden what can I say. But so does China. So what does that mean?
General Austin came out and made his elitist apology today for getting sick and telling no one. Not sure he is married maybe she is just finding out too. But he said all was well and he knew what was going on. Biden not knowing and all was a smart move by those actually running our Country. All they needed is Biden to stumble out on stage and let the world know the good General was sick and in the hospital. Our enemies would have loved to find that out, so Biden was kept in the dark like most days. Good to know the one's running the shown did the smart thing and not let Biden know before it slipped out from one of his gaff comments. Good job by all here. Now full guns ahead General wipe out Iran buddy go for it now that you are feeling better load them guns. Kill those terrorists General.
News says that gender movement of women toward the Biden camp may help him win the next election. Trump still has majoring of white male voters in the 50% range but women dropping him as their choice. Gender will become possibly the winning solution for Joey in the next election. But my money is on A.I. to decide whom wins. Not sure whose camp A.I. is in here but it could get fun....... cannot wait.
Oh my I am really worried about one person, grow up my goodness. Get a life beyond this person. Hate generated hate back to you it’s called Karma. This person is getting and will get what they deserve with or without this board being totally afraid of this fool among us. Silliness.
Sorry I misspoke in my earlier post here. Meant to say “ you all are his followers” there is nothing he does you do not know about. So you are in fact some of his most devoted followers and you give him meaning in the world of worthless politics but you do not even realize it. Similar to most Liberal Socialist types.
I would not know for sure.
This board is more ate up with Trump than his gang of followers are.
Elections will be meaningless very soon. But you keep believing it’s all legit and in your mind you will be just fine. AI will thank you all later on in some unknown way, shape or form. It will be the end of things as we knew them. Simply put.
Turnout has zero to do with when others are pushing the buttons they need to win. You are living in the Olsen times. Time has passed you by snd AI is in charge now. Learn to live it or hate it. The horse has left that barn once again and ain’t coming back. Bad actors all over the globe can now dictate the terms. We have all been asleep at the wheel while we allowed this to happen to us all. Sit back and watch the tragedy unfold.
Yes I concur it is quite rampant and the sources may become AI undetectable don’t you know. Sad to give over control of one’s Country to robots already. But some here love the idea. Then live it folks, do not complain when falsehoods rest their ugly heads. Have a drink sit back and laugh and wonder WTF just happened!!!! Too funny!!
Has zero to do with Orange man at all. But rather all of these candidates for office. It’s going to be fun to watch though. Anyone need popcorn???
History will be made in the upcoming 2024 election. Those in Government who wish to place controls in AI are the ones who want to “control the AI” get it folks? This will be the very first AI elected President, your vote will not matter a bit.
Sit back and watch these controllers take over and then you have your bad actors already making their waves on AI generated nudies of Taylor Swifty and other modified idiots Too funny. Now we have control AI my goodness we cannot have nudies of Taylor Swift in the public view!!!! A little five years too late folks. The horse has left the barn!!!
Glad have never joined many phony social media outlets, hack/ & Data Breach City, waste of time outlets. Oops data has been taken!!! Big surprise!!! Not to me folks, I have been saying this for years now.
Good luck voting this year folks it will not matter and may show you voted fifty times over no one knows for sure yet depends on how the controllers of AI want it to be. Stay safe out there folks. Nothing to see here just a normal day in paradise!!!
No voting by this kid in the upcoming AI election. No one person or organization will ever know who really wins. I will sit this one out and simply laugh at the sheer ignorance of those that think AI is their godsend in life. Good luck with whomever it IT elects in 2024!!!!
It took an 80 year old lady takes down Orange Man, now probably he will declare he is bankrupt of course going after the sympathy votes from fools. Will find him on the streets of NYC with a tin can in his hand on 5th avenue. Too funny.
On another note:
A few headlines of note for you non-believers here about you’re guy and other news:
I told this board over a month ago about funding for this organization you all pooh, pooh’d me on that now this for proof. You are all always 10 steps behind real news and always wait for it to come out. Well now it has. Get with it hey!!!
UNRWA Hamas attack claims: UK becomes latest country to pause funding for agency (yahoo.com)
Here below is your idiot in chief in action once again catering to his liberal fools. By the way now other Countries with less stringent controls on carbon emissions will fit the bill for this idiocy by Biden. He has just created more carbon emissions with this move and fool as he is does not even realize it. Great leaders are great fools.
Biden's halting of liquified natural gas projects is 'utter nonsense': Marc Morano | Watch (msn.com)
White House official cites young, climate-focused voters as key Biden constituency after LNG announcement (msn.com)
Davos meeting of billionaire white men makes comments about elimination of Coffee, Rice, Growing your own garden, house plants and heat from women’s breasts cause climate change. Good stuff here folks, while these folks fly in on their own private jets, and dine on caviar, roast beef, filet mignon, with all the fixings and drink their coffee after dinner telling the regular folks what we should do and how we can all be eliminated.
Nice to know they are looking out for their interests not yours nor mine. They do not pass laws but they go home and make their paid off legislatures do it for them all to plot against the masses and enslave us further to their virtuous ways. All the while fooling around with the women flown into Davos for their human pleasures.
He was directed to do it, he follows orders.
You have about got it all summed up here. Some I agree with others not so much.
But of course it was the ever popular “Comey”. Yes Freudian slip in typing for sure. Thanks for pointing it out. Perhaps Comer does have some meaning though!!!
Trump was under attack from prior to his day one by James Comer and the Clinton gang. Don’t you read anything? You are correct he was undermined by those who controlled the FBI from Day 1.
She was totally out of line and overboard with her supposed rebuttal to the Judge.
Good luck with that!!!!
Have you all looked at the election map in GA. Red versus blue and tell me what you see from the 2020 election results???? Basically all red except for the two liberal cities which make up a good part of the GA. Population.
I do not ignore them as facts present to have occurred.
It is any candidates right to request a check on the ballot counts in a close election. Any candidate can make such a request via proper channels, not the way this person was said to have done it in my opinion.
Quite the contrary this person like any other American should have their day in Court. Without exception here. It’s just these liberal prosecutors need to get the hate out of their hearts and get the facts and trial logic down before they lose their tempers over this one guy first. Then muck up the entire process. It even makes smarter liberals, if there is such a thing, wonder WTF are these idiots doing now. This is a slam dunk case why are you all screwing it up.
I am sure it will come out but my personal assumption is Fani overpaid her part time BF 659K I heard which I understand is extraordinary of a sum for this work. And the man has never tried a felony case but that she as his current Potential GF received some of the money paid to him for gifts or other pleasures in life if you will. Again my assumption here not factual based. But if it smells then open the garbage can to see what jumps out. Good luck with this but in doing these little things it looks badly on your attempt to prosecute a person you have been after and gives them leeway to ask for a postponement until some worthy Prosecutor can get up to soeed in the case to fill in for GF Fani. That will delay the proceedings perhaps. Why even give the other side any crumbs here to stop it from proceeding it simply does not look good. But hey you all know better your own kind here not me.
I do not follow Trump as your post assumes. I follow the stupidity of those chasing him down and making fun of the person. Be careful all what you wish for. You might get it!!!!!
I expect nothing less here from this group.
I am simply pointing out about how Liberals go about bringing anyone to justice here no matter the person, dumb is dumb regardless. There should be zero impropriety on the part of this prosecution team. But hey they simply cannot help themselves is my point. I do not care who the defendant is matters not to me. But is you wish to ruin a great investigation they along with you all are headed in the right direction. We shall see what hammer drops next.
Thank you today’s show for proving out what I have been telling this board over and again. Trumps opposers will get him elected. Even Jaime Dimon is saying it. Thank you Liberals for finally seeing what I have said. Gives credence to my lack of links but more of my brain that tells me these truths. Sorry folks no links necessary. The reality will prevail and again keep up the good work if you wish this person to get re-elected. Too funny!!!!!!
Thank you today’s show for proving out what I have been telling this board over and again. Trumps opposers will get him elected. Even Jaime Dimon is saying it. Thank you Liberals for finally seeing what I have said. Gives credence to my lack of links but more of my brain that tells me these truths. Sorry folks no links necessary. The reality will prevail and again keep up the good work if you wish this person to get re-elected. Too funny!!!!!!
Too funny how Liberals always shoot themselves in the foot. Thank you Fani Willis for keeping that hope alive. Great job Fani. No new lessons here folks. Elitist I gotcha at work.
You are correct, this one does. Time for new blood around D.C. to fix all the leaks and crooks.
If this old incoherent geezer put America first as he says with a wink and a nod then why is our southern border wide open to anyone from gosh knows where from!!!! To ruin his America. Hey Joe you got enough illegal votes yet to stem the flow of illegals now? Too funny, easy to see hard to comprehend yes this man simply loves America vis his great hate speech to half the Country that is registered.and votes in elections. I would think he may want to get folks on the other side to like him? Guess not they must not be Americans in his eyes. Oh well just another dumb old geezer. The older you get the dumber you get. It’s not his excuse it’s his way of life.
Yes snd it would not contain one million pages of BS sections.