Explainer: What's behind U.S. interference in Iraq's nomination of next prime minister

BAGHDAD, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Friction has surfaced between Washington and Baghdad due to recent U.S. interference and opposition to the nomination of Nouri al-Maliki as Iraq's next prime minister.

As Iraq proceeds with its government formation process, the emerging feuds have cast a shadow over the prospect of U.S.-Iraqi relations.

WHO IS NOURI AL-MALIKI?

Al-Maliki, born in 1950, is a veteran politician and the leader of the country's State of Law Coalition. He spent years in exile in Syria and Iran as a high-ranking member of the Islamic Dawa Party, which opposed the government of Saddam Hussein.

His long-standing ties to Tehran have made him a pivotal figure in the region's Shiite-led political landscape. Following the Iraq War in 2003, al-Maliki returned to Iraq and rose to prominence, serving two terms as prime minister from 2006 to 2014.

During his two terms, al-Maliki increasingly clashed with Washington as he grew more critical of U.S. intervention in Iraq's internal affairs, resulting in a public divergence of interests.

In 2014, under pressure from Sunni and Kurdish factions, as well as the United States, al-Maliki announced withdrawal from re-election. Despite his departure, al-Maliki remains influential within the Coordination Framework (CF), an umbrella alliance of Shiite parties and the largest parliamentary bloc.

WHY IS WASHINGTON OPPOSED TO AL-MALIKI'S RETURN?

On Jan. 24, the CF nominated al-Maliki for a third term. The move drew immediate reaction from Washington. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call with incumbent Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani, implicitly pointing out that al-Maliki is "supported by Iran," hinting at U.S. opposition to al-Maliki's rule.

Rubio emphasized that "a government controlled by Iran cannot successfully put Iraq's own interests first" or advance the "mutually beneficial partnership" between the United States and Iraq.

The United States made its displeasure with al-Maliki even clearer on Jan. 27, when U.S. President Donald Trump took to social media to send a sharp warning. He stated that if al-Maliki is elected, the United States will "no longer help Iraq," claiming that without such aid, the country would lack the chance to be "successful, prosperous, or free."

Al-Maliki struck back on Jan. 28, describing the U.S. position as "blatant interference" and a "violation of Iraqi sovereignty." He argued that the U.S. threats infringe upon the democratic system and the sovereign decision of the CF to select its candidate.

He stressed that dialogue, not "dictates and threats," is the only viable path for international relations.

Observers suggest that Washington is determined to curb Iranian influence in Baghdad and seeks to steer Iraq toward a leadership that avoids alignment with Iran in regional conflicts.

WHEN WILL THE NEW PRIME MINISTER BE ELECTED?

The path to a new government in Iraq began with elections last November. Prime Minister al-Sudani's coalition secured 46 seats, while al-Maliki's coalition took 29. Both coalitions are Shiite parties within the broader CF, Iraq's largest Shiite political alliance, which holds a dominant position in parliament.

Under Iraq's post-2003 ethno-sectarian power-sharing system, the presidency is reserved for a Kurd, the speaker's post for a Sunni, and the prime minister's office for a Shiite.

Following the first parliamentary session on Dec. 29, the parliament has 30 days to elect a president. The new president then has 15 days to task the nominee of the largest bloc with forming a cabinet, which must be presented for a vote of confidence within 30 days.

Even though al-Maliki holds a strong constitutional position as the CF nominee, his path back to power is still fraught with challenges from both within Iraq and abroad. Whether he can navigate these political obstacles and reclaim the premiership remains uncertain. ■