Sadr’s Rivals Weigh Extending Kadhimi’s Term as Iraq PM

Khazali addresses a political rally in October 2021. (AP)
Khazali addresses a political rally in October 2021. (AP)
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Sadr’s Rivals Weigh Extending Kadhimi’s Term as Iraq PM

Khazali addresses a political rally in October 2021. (AP)
Khazali addresses a political rally in October 2021. (AP)

Head of the Hikma Movement in Iraq, Ammar al-Hakim caused a stir among his allies in the Shiite Coordination Framework when he proposed the extension of Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi's term as a solution to the current political impasse in the country.

Prominent Framework member, former PM Nouri al-Maliki has expressed his reservations over the extension.

During a speech to mark the Eid Al-Adha holiday among the Shiite community in Iraq on Sunday, Hakim said: “Introducing radical change in no longer necessary (…) rather, we must confront the major dangers lurking around us and in the region.”

Hakim has no intention in joining the new government, but he is very active in its formation and is keen that it is formed “as soon as possible.”

Moreover, he is confident that any settlement that excludes the Framework’s main Shiite rival, influential cleric Moqatada al-Sadr, is doomed to fail.

Hakim is opting for the safer option where the Shiite factions would avoid a major rift with Sadr’s sizable popular base.

Sadr’s lawmakers had quit parliament last month over the political deadlock and in attempt to speed up government formation efforts. His rivals have yet to make any progress in their efforts.

An informed source told Asharq Al-Awsat that the talks among the Framework since Sadr’s resignation have led to the emergence of a position that is wary of excluding the cleric from a new government.

Maliki will have to adjust with this position even though he believes that he would be able to contain the “consequences of excluding the Sadrists.”

Moreover, cracks have started to emerge in the Framework, which is no longer as united as it used to be since Sadr’s resignation, added the source.

The resignation has allowed members of the Framework, and for the first time since the October parliamentary elections, to review their priorities and interests for the new government.

Meanwhile, Sadr’s supporters are gearing up to hold mass prayers on Friday in a show of force against their rivals.

In remarks that are likely to provoke the cleric’s supporters, Qais al-Khazali, leader of the Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, claimed that Sadr’s withdrawal from the political process will speed up the government formation process.

He said on Sunday that Sadr wasted nine months in attempting to form a government to no avail. His withdrawal has therefore created a new opportunity to form a cabinet.

He claimed that there were no delays in forming a government, noting that parliament is in recess and is set to convene after the Adha holiday.

“Only then will it show whether there is a delay or not,” he charged.

Khazali also noted messages from regional countries and major powers that “clearly support the formation of a national unity government.”

Sadr had been pushing for the establishment of a majority government that excludes the Framework.

Khazali also ignored the ongoing dispute within the Framework over the naming of a prime minister, saying the “only challenge facing the formation of the government is the election of a president.”

Currently, the two main Kurdish parties are in disagreement over the election.

“The dispute between the Kurdish political forces is deeper than that between the Shiites,” said Khazali, adding that the Framework would support the agreement over the president reached by the Kurdish parties.

He acknowledged differences within the Framework over the naming of a PM, but he stressed that they “did not amount to being a real problem.”

In contrast to Hakim’s position, he expressed his rejection of extending the term of the current caretaker cabinet or introducing a reshuffle.



US Senator Risch to Asharq Al-Awsat: Lebanon Must Buck the Presence of Hezbollah Once and for All

Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jim Risch.
Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jim Risch.
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US Senator Risch to Asharq Al-Awsat: Lebanon Must Buck the Presence of Hezbollah Once and for All

Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jim Risch.
Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jim Risch.

Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jim Risch told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Lebanese must weaken Hezbollah’s grip over their country and work on “bucking the presence of the party once and for all.”

He said the Republican and Democratic parties want to support the Lebanese army and empower it in preserving security along the border with Syria and Blue Line with Israel.

Risch noted that Lebanon was a “at a critical moment. After decades, the Lebanese people have an opportunity to break free from Iran’s tyrannical stranglehold on Beirut.”

“The new leadership has an opportunity to restore Lebanese sovereignty and deliver a prosperous future for its people. But there is significant work to do,” he remarked.

“The new government must implement reforms to end corruption in Lebanon and buck the presence of Hezbollah once and for all,” he urged.

“Government control of customs, the airport, and routes in and out of Lebanon are critical to ensure we continue to weaken Hezbollah’s hold,” he stressed.

“Thanks to the courage of the people, Lebanon is on the right path. American support of the Lebanese Armed Forces has paid off and the LAF is finally in the position to displace Hezbollah once and for all,” Risch added.

“I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the Administration to support a safe, secure, and prosperous Lebanon,” he vowed.