Iraq’s unprecedented political vacuum is set to persist as another of President Barham Salih’s PM nominees bites the dust. Since Prime Minister Adil Abd al-Mahdi announced his resignation in November over the poor handling of mass protests which resulted in several hundred deaths (MEES, 8 November 2019), Mr Salih has nominated three replacements. In the meantime, the existing government remains as caretaker.
The latest to get the opportunity is Iraq’s head of intelligence Mustafa al-Kadhimi. Like Mr Salih’s three preceding nominees, Mr Khadhimi has 30 days to navigate Iraq’s fractious political scene and secure approval from parliament. He replaces Adnan al-Zurufi, who was only nominated in mid-March (MEES, 20 March). (CONTINUED - 373 WORDS)
