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Al-Maliki Nominated for Iraqi Prime Minister

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, January 24th 2026 at 22:48 GMT by reuters.com
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Baghdad, Iraq - January 25th, 2026 - In a move that has sent ripples through the Iraqi political landscape, Nouri al-Maliki, the nation's former Prime Minister, has been nominated as the candidate for Prime Minister by Iraq's leading Shi'ite political alliance, the State of Law coalition. The nomination, announced yesterday, follows weeks of intense negotiations and political posturing in the wake of the country's recent, inconclusive general election. While requiring parliamentary approval and presidential consideration, this represents a substantial hurdle cleared in the often-turbulent process of forming a new Iraqi government.

The State of Law coalition, heavily influenced by al-Maliki's long-standing political presence, made the announcement after a period of protracted discussions amongst various factions. The previous election results left no single party or coalition with a clear mandate, necessitating these complex negotiations and highlighting the deeply fragmented nature of Iraqi politics. The selection of al-Maliki reflects a desire within the Shi'ite bloc for stability and experience, even as it invites significant scrutiny given his prior time in office.

Al-Maliki's previous tenure as Prime Minister, spanning from 2006 to 2014, remains a period of immense complexity and controversy in Iraqi history. His years in power coincided with escalating sectarian violence and, most devastatingly, the rapid and widespread territorial gains of ISIS in 2014. The collapse of the Iraqi military in the face of the ISIS offensive profoundly shook the nation and led to widespread criticism of al-Maliki's leadership. Many analysts attribute the military's failings, in part, to sectarian policies and a concentration of power within his office, leading to a weakening of the armed forces and a breakdown in trust between different communities.

This history casts a long shadow over his renewed bid for power. While his supporters emphasize his experience in navigating complex political challenges and managing relationships with regional and international actors, critics question his ability to bridge the deep sectarian divides that continue to plague Iraq. The country faces significant challenges beyond just political infighting. Economic instability, persistent corruption, and the ongoing threat of extremist groups - although diminished compared to their 2014 peak - remain serious concerns.

Building a governing coalition that can effectively address these issues will be crucial for al-Maliki's success. Securing the support of Sunni and Kurdish political factions will be vital, requiring a level of compromise and power-sharing that has proven elusive in past governments. The nomination inevitably increases the risk of renewed political deadlock if those groups are unwilling to coalesce around his leadership. Indeed, the nomination itself has already drawn condemnation from some Sunni leaders who express concerns about a return to policies perceived as discriminatory.

Furthermore, international reaction to al-Maliki's nomination has been cautious. While major powers generally want to see a stable and functional Iraqi government, his legacy raises questions about the potential for a return to policies that could destabilize the region. The United States, in particular, will be carefully monitoring his actions and appointments, hoping to avoid a repeat of the conditions that allowed ISIS to flourish.

The coming weeks will be critical. The Iraqi parliament must now formally vote on al-Maliki's candidacy, and the President must subsequently decide whether to formally offer him the position. This process is likely to be fraught with political maneuvering and potential challenges. The stability of Iraq, and its continued contribution to regional security, hangs in the balance, dependent on whether al-Maliki can navigate these challenges and forge a path towards a more inclusive and prosperous future for the nation.