After Trump’s rebuke, can Maliki rebound in Iraq, or does Sudani become favorite?
President Donald Trump’s criticism of Nouri al-Maliki could either hurt or help his chances to return to office, depending on how Iraq’s political leaders respond, experts said.
Former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki slammed on Wednesday “blatant American interference” in Iraq’s affairs after US President Donald Trump commented on Maliki's candidacy, potentially setting the stage for a difficult period in US-Iraq ties.
Trump’s rebuke of the former premier may hurt his chances of returning to office and embolden incumbent Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, according to experts.
Maliki accused the United States of "violating" Iraq’s sovereignty in a post on X, referencing the Coordination Framework’s selection of a candidate for prime minister. Maliki called for “dialogue” between states and vowed to “continue to work until we reach the end, in a manner that achieves the best interests of the Iraqi people.”
The Coordination Framework, an alliance of Shiite-led parties in Iraq, nominated Maliki on Saturday as its candidate for prime minister. Maliki previously served in the position from 2006 to 2014, resigning in the wake of the Islamic State offensive.
