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Iraq PM nomination
Iraq’s dominant Shiite alliance, the Coordination Framework, has nominated former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki as its candidate for prime minister.
“Iraq’s main Shiite alliance, the Coordination Framework, has nominated former prime minister Nouri al‑Maliki as the country’s next premier, effectively guaranteeing his return to power.”
Some outlets described the move as effectively guaranteeing his return to office.
Multiple reports say the bloc selected the 75-year-old by majority vote and cited his political and administrative experience.
They also noted that Parliament must next elect a president who will formally appoint the prime minister under the constitution.
The nomination follows internal talks after November’s election and came after caretaker prime minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stepped aside.
Al-Maliki: record and reputation
Al-Maliki’s record and reputation are a central theme across the coverage.
Outlets repeatedly note his two earlier terms (2006–2014) and credit him with strengthening state power and cracking down on militias early on.
They also record serious criticisms, accusing him of centralizing power, stoking sectarian tensions, failing to prevent the 2014 rise of ISIS, and facing corruption allegations.
Several sources describe him as highly polarizing, and past attempts at another term failed amid those accusations.
Presidential selection process
The nomination immediately set out the constitutional next steps and exposed political splits.
“Parliament will next elect a president, who by convention is Kurdish and will formally appoint the prime minister.”
The bloc urged parliament to convene to elect a president, by convention a Kurd, after which the president would formally appoint the premier.
Parliament has already chosen a speaker, customarily a Sunni.
Some outlets give specific timing and factional details, including a reported Jan. 28 deadline for the presidential vote.
They also note that the PUK has traditionally held the presidency, though the KDP is contesting the post.
Security and foreign-policy issues
Outlets warn the incoming government will need to manage dozens of Iran-linked armed groups that answer to their own commanders.
The United States is pressing Baghdad to dismantle or disarm those militias.
Several sources note broader regional dynamics, including waning Iranian influence, rising tensions with Washington, and the U.S. transfer of Islamic State detainees from northeast Syria to Iraqi detention centers.
These security and international issues are framed as immediate tests for any new prime minister.
Responses to Maliki nomination
Reactions are mixed and underline the political fault lines.
“Kurdish President Masoud Barzani congratulated Nouri al‑Maliki ... pledging to back him in resolving disputes and forming a government to improve services, security and territorial unity, and urging parliament to convene to elect a president amid ongoing Baghdad talks.”
Kurdish President Masoud Barzani publicly congratulated Maliki and pledged to work with him to form a government and resolve disputes.
Sunni politicians are divided, with some warning against 'recycling failed leaders' and others backing Maliki.
Several sources say the nomination is likely to be contentious as parties negotiate portfolios and security responses.
They note that an official presidential vote and the subsequent appointment remain the immediate procedural hurdles.