Who will replace sacked Iraqi defense minister?
Following the dismissal of Iraq's Defense Minister Khaled al-Obeidi by the parliament, the Sunni blocs are competing over nominating his successor.
BAGHDAD — Three lists of candidates have been proposed to Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi for the position of minister of defense, held by a Sunni, to replace sacked Minister Khaled al-Obeidi.
The first list is signed by parliament Speaker Salim al-Jabouri and includes Kamel al-Dulaimi, Badr al-Jabouri and Ahmed Abdullah Moussa. The second list was put forth by the Mutahidoun bloc, led by former parliament Speaker Osama al-Nujaifi, and includes Hajem al-Hassani, Salim Dali and Arfan al-Hayali. The third list was submitted by head of the Iraqiya List Iyad Allawi, who nominated five candidates: Hamed al-Matlaq, Raad al-Hamadani, Falah al-Naqib, Faisal al-Shamari and Hachem al-Daraji.
The Iraqi parliament had voted Aug. 25 to withdraw confidence from Obeidi on charges of corruption during the interrogation session conducted by Alia Nassif, a member of parliament for the Reform Front, on Aug. 1. Obeidi, however, appealed the parliament decision Sept. 7 before the judiciary, which could delay the appointment process of a new defense minister for several weeks.
The process of naming a defense minister entails several stages. The names of candidates belonging to Sunni blocs need to be forwarded to Abadi, who might select a name or choose someone else from outside the parliamentary blocs. The parliament is then briefed on the candidate’s resume and background before making a confidence vote, which requires the support of the parliamentary majority.
