Iraq’s Coordination Framework Faces Deep Internal Disputes

An Iraqi soldier walks past a sign that reads "Ramadan Kareem" in the Karrada district of the capital Baghdad on March 5, 2025, during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. (AFP)
An Iraqi soldier walks past a sign that reads "Ramadan Kareem" in the Karrada district of the capital Baghdad on March 5, 2025, during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. (AFP)
TT
20

Iraq’s Coordination Framework Faces Deep Internal Disputes

An Iraqi soldier walks past a sign that reads "Ramadan Kareem" in the Karrada district of the capital Baghdad on March 5, 2025, during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. (AFP)
An Iraqi soldier walks past a sign that reads "Ramadan Kareem" in the Karrada district of the capital Baghdad on March 5, 2025, during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. (AFP)

Iraq’s ruling pro-Iran Coordination Framework is facing deep internal disputes as the country braces for the policies of the new American administration and prepares to hold parliamentary elections this year.

A leading member of the alliance said the tense discussions about possible pressure and sanctions from the United States is causing “confusion” between the ruling parties.

Moreover, the competition between them ahead of the elections will affect the future of the alliance and whether it will remain united, he told Asharq Al-Awsat on condition of anonymity.

The “most dangerous thing” that is happening is attempting to hold the Framework responsible for whatever challenges are in store, especially should the US administration under President Donald Trump impose sanctions, he added.

He explained that the forces and groups that are “very close to Iran are aware that the pressure will be focused on them. The leaders of the Framework are aware that the external threat they are facing should not be used as a weapon during the elections.”

Iraqi officials have for two months speculated, without evidence, that the US may possibly impose sanctions this year on banks or political groups or leaders.

Armed factions

Another issue the Shiite forces are grappling with is reaching an agreement over the armed factions.

Sunni politician Mashaan al-Juburi said Iraq needs to merge the factions and pro-Iran Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in the state security forces.

Government officials, including Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, have confirmed that “negotiations are underway over the fate of the factions. As a government agency operating within the state, there is no need to dismantle the PMF.”

Political sources revealed that “after weeks of silence, the armed factions have gone back on their plans to comply with government demands to dissolve and lay down their arms, because they have not heard any word from Washington about the fate of pro-Iran Shiite groups.”

Meanwhile, aide to the prime minister Fadi al-Shammari said in televised remarks that dialogue is ongoing with the armed factions to lay down their weapons.

He hoped the negotiations would “end well.”

The sources said the discrepancy in statements by the Framework reflects their “confusion and hesitation in taking any step or political initiative” towards resolving disputes.

Kadhimi and Sadr’s return

Former Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi's return to Iraq last week after a nearly two-year absence has added another layer to the complicated scene in the country.

In a television interview, he slammed current PM Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, saying several of the current projects in the country were part of an emergency plan drafted by his former government. His remarks sparked fierce criticism by figures close to Sudani.

Prior to Kadhimi’s return, former PM Ayad Allawi announced the formation of a new alliance that will take part in the elections.

Iraqi media noted that preparations for the elections kicked off early this year with the polls usually held in October.

Kadhimi, for his part, is planning on joining the race with liberal Shiite figures.

Meanwhile, influential Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has signaled his return to politics. He had suspended his involvement in political life in June 2022, vowing not to take part in any future elections to avoid partnering with “corrupt” figures.

In late February, he called on his supporters to update their electoral details, in a sign that he may resume political life.

Local media noted that his return to politics is taking place a time when “Iran’s influence in the country is waning.”

Iraqi authorities have yet to schedule the date of the elections as another dispute, this time over amending the electoral law, appears to be looming on the horizon.



RSF Shelling On Camp Kills 8 in Sudan's Darfur, Say Rescuers

A view of a street in the city of Omdurman damaged in the year-long civil war in Sudan, April 7, 2024. REUTERS/El Tayeb Siddig
A view of a street in the city of Omdurman damaged in the year-long civil war in Sudan, April 7, 2024. REUTERS/El Tayeb Siddig
TT
20

RSF Shelling On Camp Kills 8 in Sudan's Darfur, Say Rescuers

A view of a street in the city of Omdurman damaged in the year-long civil war in Sudan, April 7, 2024. REUTERS/El Tayeb Siddig
A view of a street in the city of Omdurman damaged in the year-long civil war in Sudan, April 7, 2024. REUTERS/El Tayeb Siddig

Rapid Support Forces (RSF) shelled a displacement camp in Sudan's Darfur region on Thursday, killing eight civilians and injuring others, a local rescue group said.

The bombardment hit Abu Shouk camp, which hosts tens of thousands of displaced people on the outskirts of El Fasher, the besieged capital of North Darfur.

El-Fasher remains the last major stronghold in Sudan's western Darfur region not under the control of the RSF, who have been at war with the regular army since April 2023, AFP reported.

"The Abu Shouk camp witnessed heavy artillery bombardment by the RSF... killing eight people," the camp's Emergency Response Room said in a statement.

In recent weeks, El-Fasher, which has been under RSF siege since last year, has been locked in intense fighting between warring sides in a region also gripped by famine.

Thursday's offensive comes just days after a series of attacks by the RSF targeted another battleground region of Sudan.

More than 450 people, including 35 children, were killed in several villages of North Kordofan, southwest of the capital Khartoum, according to a statement released this week by the UN's children agency.

"No child should ever experience such horrors," said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. "Violence against children is unconscionable and must end now."

On Sunday, the RSF claimed to have killed more than 470 army personnel near the town of El-Obeid, also in North Kordofan, in a statement posted to its Telegram channel.

Independent verification of casualties in Sudan remains difficult due to restricted access to its conflict zones.

Now in its third year, the conflict has killed tens of thousands and forced millions to flee, creating what the United Nations describes as the world's largest displacement crisis.

In December last year, famine was officially declared in three displacement camps near El-Fasher, namely Zamzam, Abu Shouk and Al-Salam, according to the UN.

Since the Sudanese army regained control of the capital Khartoum in March, the RSF has shifted its operations westward, focusing on Darfur and Kordofan in a bid to consolidate territorial gains.

In April, RSF fighters seized the Zamzam displacement camp, located near Abu Shouk.

The assault forced nearly 400,000 people to flee, according to UN figures, effectively emptying one of the country's largest camps for the displaced.

Sudanese analyst Mohaned el-Nour told AFP the RSF aims to redefine its role in the conflict.

"Their goal is no longer to be seen as a militia, but as an alternative government in western Sudan, undermining the legitimacy of the authorities in Port Sudan."

He added that the recent surge in violence in North Kordofan was likely intended to divert the army's attention from El Fasher, where the military is trying "at all costs" to maintain.