The Takeaway: Iraq takes first steps toward new government: What comes next
Updates from our regional correspondents on Turkey, Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Egypt; multimedia on Israel and Iran — all in about 1,000 words.
Iraqi government formation: What you need to know
The latest:
- Iraq’s Council of Representatives (parliament) convened on Jan. 9 and elected Mohammed al-Halbusi (Taqadum/Progress Party) to serve a second term as speaker. Sadrist representative Hakim al-Zamli and KDP representative Shakhawan Abdullah were, respectively, selected as first and second deputy speakers of parliament.
The process:
- The parliament now has a month to choose the president (from the Kurdish parties).
- Fifteen days after his selection, the president will designate a prime minister (a Shiite), appointed from the largest bloc, to form a government.
- The government of current Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi will remain in office during the government formation process.
The parties:
