BAGHDAD: Iraq’s main Shiite alliance, which holds a parliamentary majority, endorsed on Saturday former prime minister and powerbroker Nouri Al-Maliki as the country’s next premier.
The Coordination Framework, an alliance of Shiite factions with varying links to Iran, said in a statement that it “decided, by majority vote, to nominate” Al-Maliki for the position “as the candidate of the largest parliamentary bloc.”
The statement spoke of Al-Maliki’s “political and administrative experience and his record in running the state.”
A shrewd politician, Al-Maliki, 75, has long been a central figure in Iraq’s politics and its only two-term prime minister (2006-2014) since the US invasion of 2003, which ended decades of rule by the autocratic Sunni president Saddam Hussein.
Since the invasion and by convention in Iraq, a Shiite Muslim holds the powerful post of prime minister, a Sunni is parliament speaker, and the largely ceremonial presidency goes to a Kurd. After Iraq’s November general election, the Coordination Framework, which includes Al-Maliki, formed the majority bloc.
Soon after, it held heated talks to choose the next prime minister, along with other discussions with Sunni and Kurdish parties regarding other posts.
Iraq’s parliament chose a speaker last month and should convene next to elect a new president, who will then appoint a prime minister to replace the incumbent Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani.
Al-Maliki, leader of the State of Law Coalition, remains influential in Iraqi politics despite his controversial past, including widespread accusations of corruption, stoking sectarian tensions, and failing to stop the Daesh group.
Iraq majority bloc backs Nouri al-Maliki as next PM
https://arab.news/9hwgh
Iraq majority bloc backs Nouri al-Maliki as next PM
- The Coordination Framework said that it “decided, by majority vote, to nominate” Al-Maliki for the position
- The statement spoke of Al-Maliki’s “political and administrative experience and his record in running the state“
Child injured as Israeli settlers assault Palestinians
- Local authorities decry ongoing efforts to restrict Palestinian livelihoods and displace Bedouin communities
HEBRON: Israeli settlers assaulted a child and attempted to run over several others in Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron, on Sunday evening.
In Khirbet Rajoum Ali, settlers attacked 12-year-old Salah Ismail Al-Hadra, causing bruises and other injuries.
He was taken to Yatta Governmental Hospital.
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Israeli settlers also chased shepherds in Rajum Ulei, drove livestock into crops, and conducted provocative patrols near homes.
In Khirbet Al-Halawa, settlers chased children tending sheep, assaulted several, and tried to run them over with vehicles.
Masafer Yatta has seen a sharp rise in settler attacks, often under Israeli military protection.
Separately, settlers assaulted farmers plowing land in Khirbet Salama, Kharsa (south of Hebron), injuring locals identified as Ayman Izzat Awda and Diaa Awda.
In Jabal Al-Baba Bedouin community (Al-Eizariya, south of occupied Jerusalem), Israeli forces shot at shepherds grazing sheep in Wadi Al-Hawd.
One was wounded, and another arrested.
Authorities described it as part of ongoing efforts to restrict Palestinian livelihoods and displace Bedouin communities.
Settlers also attacked farmers in Mahfuriya (south of Aqraba, Nablus) while they worked their land, and damaged windows at the home of one person, identified as Munther Shreida, in Al-Shajra, Duma.
In Masafer Yatta, settlers in military-style uniforms detained and abused six residents near Khirbet Al-Fukhit before releasing them.
Settlers also chased shepherds in Rajum Ulei, drove livestock into crops, and conducted provocative patrols near homes.
Late on Saturday, settlers attempted to steal sheep from shepherd Imad Houshiyeh’s herd in Khirbet Al-Markaz but were stopped by local residents.
