Iraqi Factions Fail to Elect Diyala Governor

An employee at the Iraqi Electoral Commission carries a ballot box at a local election vote counting center last December (AFP)
An employee at the Iraqi Electoral Commission carries a ballot box at a local election vote counting center last December (AFP)
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Iraqi Factions Fail to Elect Diyala Governor

An employee at the Iraqi Electoral Commission carries a ballot box at a local election vote counting center last December (AFP)
An employee at the Iraqi Electoral Commission carries a ballot box at a local election vote counting center last December (AFP)

Military operations are intensifying in Iraq’s eastern governorate of Diyala to eliminate remaining terrorist elements hiding in the mountains and remote areas.

However, political disputes among different factions are delaying the appointment of a governor, even 40 days after the local election results were approved last December.

Diyala, bordering Iran, has a diverse population, but political factions have yet to agree on a governor.

Observers say Diyala’s situation is even more complicated than Kirkuk’s, where political disagreements have also stalled the appointment of a governor.

While Kirkuk’s governor selection involves agreement among Arabs, Kurds, and Turkmen, in Diyala, seven political groups are competing for the position. Within these groups, there are internal struggles among Sunni and Shiite factions.

While some doubt the possibility of a quick agreement among political factions to form a local authority, a source from the State of Law coalition suggests they might settle on Wadhah al-Tamimi as their candidate for governor.

The source explained that al-Tamimi is seen as a compromise due to the failure of political factions to agree on a candidate for over four weeks.

It’s noted that other factions urged the State of Law coalition to present their candidate, as they themselves failed to do so.

Raad al-Mas, a member of the coalition, mentioned they've had four important meetings with political blocs in the Diyala Council in the past 48 hours to present their candidate's agenda.

He added in a statement to the press that the program will focus on social justice, reconstruction projects, aid for the poor, economic growth, fighting corruption, revitalizing job sectors, resolving compensation issues for liberated areas, and resettling displaced families.

However, Osman Mahmood, a council member from the Kurdistan Democratic Party, said in press remarks on Friday that political disagreements over the position persist.



UK PM Tells Netanyahu Peace Process ‘Should Lead’ to Palestinian State

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference on the Southport attacks in the Downing Street Briefing Room in London, Britain, 21 January 2025. (EPA)
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference on the Southport attacks in the Downing Street Briefing Room in London, Britain, 21 January 2025. (EPA)
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UK PM Tells Netanyahu Peace Process ‘Should Lead’ to Palestinian State

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference on the Southport attacks in the Downing Street Briefing Room in London, Britain, 21 January 2025. (EPA)
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference on the Southport attacks in the Downing Street Briefing Room in London, Britain, 21 January 2025. (EPA)

UK premier Keir Starmer told Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday that any peace process in the Middle East should pave the way for a Palestinian state, Downing Street said.

The two leaders held a call that focused on the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, a UK government spokesperson said.

During the conversation, "both agreed that we must work towards a permanent and peaceful solution that guarantees Israel's security and stability", the British readout of the call added.

"The prime minister added that the UK stands ready to do everything it can to support a political process, which should also lead to a viable and sovereign Palestinian state."

Starmer also "reiterated that it was vital to ensure humanitarian aid can now flow uninterrupted into Gaza, to support the Palestinians who desperately need it", the statement added.

Starmer "offered his personal thanks for the work done by the Israeli government to secure the release of the hostages, including British hostage Emily Damari", the statement added.

"To see the pictures of Emily finally back in her family's arms was a wonderful moment but a reminder of the human cost of the conflict," Starmer added, according to the statement.

A truce agreement between Israel and Hamas to end 15 months of war in Gaza came into effect on Sunday.

The first part of the three-phase deal should last six weeks and see 33 hostages returned from Gaza in exchange for around 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.