Iraq's dominant political bloc nominates former prime minister al-Maliki as its candidate

"Iraq 's dominant political bloc announced Saturday that it had nominated former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki as its candidate for prime minister. The announcement came after caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, whose bloc won the largest share of seats in November's parliamentary elections, stepped aside earlier this month. That cleared the field for al-Maliki after the two had competed for the backing of the Coordination Framework, a collection of Shiite parties."

"Al-Maliki, who first served as prime minister in 2006, is the only Iraqi prime minister to serve a second term since a U.S.-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003. His bid for a third term failed after he was accused of monopolizing power and alienating Sunnis and Kurds. His selection now is likely to be polarizing, particularly among Iraq's Sunni community."

"Iraq's National Political Council, a coalition of Sunni parties, in a statement called on the Coordination Framework to assume historical responsibility and warned against recycling leaders whose past experiences have failed to achieve stability or restore public trust. However, the Sunni Azm Alliance, an influential Sunni party, rejected the council's statement and voiced support for al-Maliki, highlighting a split within the Sunni political bloc over the nomination and reflecting broader political divisions in the country."

Iraq's dominant Shiite political bloc nominated former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki as its candidate after caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stepped aside, resolving a contest within the Coordination Framework. Under the constitution, parliament elects a president who then names a prime minister responsible for forming a government. Al-Maliki previously served beginning in 2006 and is the only premier to win a second term since 2003; his past attempt at a third term faltered amid accusations of monopolizing power and alienating Sunnis and Kurds. Sunni reactions are split, and the incoming government will face pressures from the United States and Iran and must address non-state armed groups.

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