Iraq blocs nominate Maliki for PM

An alliance of Shi’ite blocs holding a parliamentary majority has nominated former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki to return as Iraq’s prime minister, signaling a potential political comeback for the veteran politician long seen as aligned with powerful domestic factions. The move drew sharp international attention: former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly warned that Washington could withdraw support for Iraq if Maliki leads the government. Maliki dismissed the remarks as interference and defended Iraq’s sovereignty.

Maliki, who led Iraq from 2006 to 2014, remains a polarizing figure. His tenure saw intense sectarian violence, political marginalization of Sunnis, clashes with Kurdish leaders, charges of corruption and a security collapse that preceded Islamic State’s rapid advance. He was forced from office in 2014 amid pressure from a wide array of domestic and international actors. Despite that, he retained influence through the State of Law coalition and ties to powerful political and security networks.

Supporters argue Maliki’s return would restore strong centralized governance and protect national interests; opponents fear a repeat of divisive policies that deepened sectarian fractures and undermined state institutions. Political analysts note many Iraqis reject external interference but also demand that any incoming leader prioritize sovereignty, stability and the welfare of the population.

The nomination reflects wider regional and domestic dynamics in which Baghdad balances competing pressures from external partners and internal power brokers. U.S. officials reportedly warned of sanctions targeting Iraqi actors should certain armed groups be included in the next government, part of a broader campaign to influence outcomes in Baghdad. Observers say Maliki’s candidacy underscores enduring fault lines: the struggle to form inclusive governance, the role of armed groups in politics, and the challenge of reconciling security, accountability and national unity.

As negotiations proceed, attention will center on whether Maliki can build a broad governing coalition acceptable to key domestic and international stakeholders, and on whether his return would deepen polarization or contribute to stability. The episode highlights Iraq’s fraught post-2003 trajectory: contested sovereignty, competing external influences, and the ongoing struggle to forge a political order that prevents renewed fragmentation or authoritarian drift.