Iraqi President Calls for Formation of Inclusive Government Within Deadlines

More than a month after the parliamentary elections in Iraq, and amid ongoing negotiations to form a new government, Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid called for the formation of a government that represents all Iraqis across all spectrums and advances state-building.

Constitutional Deadlines

In a speech today, Saturday, he emphasized that the formation of the next government must respect constitutional deadlines, according to the WA Agency.

He urged the consolidation of the democratic process and the unification of efforts in forming the upcoming government.

American Pressure

These statements came as Washington, according to Iraqi officials and diplomats in Baghdad, is pressing to exclude Iran-backed armed factions from the new government and to work on dismantling and disarming them, as reported by Agence France-Presse. An American official who requested anonymity said, "Iraqi leaders fully understand what aligns and does not align with a strong partnership between the United States and Iraq," adding that Washington "will continue to speak clearly about the necessity of dismantling Iran-backed militias."

However, these demands face a complex political reality, as some factions have achieved significant electoral gains and are part of the parliamentary majority of the "Coordination Framework," an alliance of Shiite forces with varying proximity to Tehran that has led the country in recent years.

"Crossroads"

In recent tweets, the U.S. special envoy to Iraq, Mark Saaka, also warned that Iraqi leaders stand "at a crossroads," considering their decision "will send a clear and unambiguous signal to the United States..." regarding whether Iraq is ready to occupy "its place as a stable state in the new Middle East," otherwise the alternative will be "economic deterioration, political confusion, and international isolation."

Which Factions Are Involved?

It is noted that the United States classifies a number of armed factions as "terrorist" organizations, although they are part of the Popular Mobilization Forces incorporated into the Iraqi Armed Forces.

These factions belong to what is called the "Resistance Axis" supported by Iran and have repeatedly called for the withdrawal of U.S. forces and carried out sporadic attacks against them.

Among the most prominent of these factions is "Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq" led by Qais Khazali, which won 27 seats in the recent elections.

Meanwhile, "Kata'ib Hezbollah" represents one of the most prominent armed groups, supporting a parliamentary bloc of six seats. It was accused of kidnapping the Israeli-Russian academic Elizabeth Tsurkov, who was released months ago after two years of captivity.

The list also includes "Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada," "Kata'ib al-Imam Ali," and "Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya," all of which won varying parliamentary seats, while "Harakat al-Nujaba" remains the only faction that did not participate in the political process.

A former Iraqi official revealed that the United States may not object to some of these factions participating in the government as a whole but will avoid dealing directly with the ministries that might be assigned to the factions, as happened in the current government, meaning without sovereign ministries.