Iraq's head of state selects Ali al-Zaidi to lead the incoming government

n n

Iraq’s newly elected president nominated businessman Ali al-Zaidi as the country’s prime minister-designate on Monday, after he was endorsed by the country’s main Shia alliance.

n

“President Nizar Amede has tasked Ali al-Zaidi, the candidate of the largest parliamentary bloc, with forming the new government,” the presidency said in a statement.

n

The announcement came shortly after the Coordination Framework, an alliance of Shia factions with varying links to Iran and that had initially nominated Maliki, endorsed Zaidi to be its candidate.

n

The Coordination Framework had initially backed powerbroker Nouri al-Maliki to become the country’s next prime minister, but an ultimatum by US President Donald Trump reshuffled the cards.

n

In January, Trump threatened to stop all support for Iraq if two-time ex-premier Maliki, who has close ties to Iran, returned to power.

n

On Monday, the Coordination Framework praised “the historic and responsible stance” of Maliki and caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani “for withdrawing” their candidacies.

n

Iraq has long walked a tightrope between the competing influences of its allies, neighbouring Iran and its archfoe the United States.

n

In Iraq, a nomination by the largest Shiite bloc effectively brings a candidate to power through presidential appointment, but Trump’s threats left Iraqi leaders at a loss, forcing them into intense discussions to settle on a new candidate.

n

Seen as a compromise figure, Zaidi is little known in political circles.

n

He is a businessman, banker and an owner of a television channel, and has never held a government post.

n

AFP

n n