Sadr Sets 11 Conditions for Government Formation, Seeks to Exclude Maliki

Sadr supporters gathering in Baghdad (DPA)
Sadr supporters gathering in Baghdad (DPA)
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Sadr Sets 11 Conditions for Government Formation, Seeks to Exclude Maliki

Sadr supporters gathering in Baghdad (DPA)
Sadr supporters gathering in Baghdad (DPA)

Hundreds of thousands of Sadr supporters gathered for Friday prayers in Baghdad amid failed attempts to form a new government.

After the prayer, the leader of the Sadr movement, Muqtada al-Sadr, announced 11 conditions for the new cabinet signaling his approval for his opponents in the "Coordinating Framework" if they wanted to participate in the new formation.

The Iraqi security forces took unprecedented security measures in Baghdad, including closing the Green Zone.

Sheikh Mahmoud al-Jayashi delivered a speech on behalf of Sadr, announcing the 11 strict conditions set before his opponents if they wanted to form a government.

Political observers believe these conditions can act as restrictions on the formation of the government, saying that some may not be applicable for several reasons, while others increase the gap between the parties, explicitly asserting his condition to exclude Nouri al-Maliki from the lineup.

Sadr called on those "against the government formation" to ensure the exit of the rest of the occupation through diplomatic and parliamentary means. A position that seemed more flexible compared to that of the armed factions, which threatened to expel them by force.

The leader also called on the Shiite political blocs to punish the corrupt politicians, noting that the supreme religious authority in Najaf closed its doors to all politicians without exception, and this "is an insult to Shiite politicians in particular."

- Strong criticism of the forces affiliated with Iran

Sadr strongly criticized the militias and armed factions affiliated with Iran, saying that it is impossible to form a stable Iraqi government with the presence of "uncontrolled weapons and militias."

Sadr thanked the predominantly-Sunni western regions that were liberated from ISIS, saying that without the cooperation of their residents, "we would not have liberated the usurped lands."

In an apparent reference to Maliki, Sadr asserted: "We do not want to repeat the old tragedy" and the continuation of the people's suffering.

Independent Iraqi politician Ibrahim al-Sumaidaie believes that undoubtedly Sadr has his calculations that observers cannot expect.

Sumaidaie believes that Sadr's decision to withdraw his bloc from the parliament will undoubtedly have an impact on overcoming the sectarian and national quotas in the cabinet formation and the upcoming elections.

He told Asharq Al-Awsat that this would establish a government and opposition on a cross-component basis.

Sumaidaie added that the quotas were the main reason for the weak and corrupt governments that weakened the state and the nation and strengthened the division of its citizens.

Media professor at Ahl Al Bayt University, Ghaleb al-Daami, also confirmed to Asharq Al-Awsat that Sadr in his statement vetoed Maliki and all former politicians, including Haider al-Abadi, setting essential points in managing the next stage.

Daami said that Sadr focused on organizing the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), dissolving armed factions, and fighting corruption.

He pointed out that the massive turnout in Friday's rally is a crucial message to the political forces that his supporters are ready to protest against the government or in the Green Zone.

Sadr can topple the government if his demands are not met, according to Daami.



Lebanon, Israel Ceasefire Deal Will Take Place in Three Phases and ‘Simultaneous’ Withdrawals

 Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike on Beirut's southern suburbs, known as Dahiyeh, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. (AP)
Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike on Beirut's southern suburbs, known as Dahiyeh, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. (AP)
TT

Lebanon, Israel Ceasefire Deal Will Take Place in Three Phases and ‘Simultaneous’ Withdrawals

 Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike on Beirut's southern suburbs, known as Dahiyeh, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. (AP)
Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike on Beirut's southern suburbs, known as Dahiyeh, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. (AP)

Informed sources revealed to Asharq Al-Awsat that US-President elect Donald Trump agreed on the steps that President Joe Biden’s administration will take to ensure the success of the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel.

Israel approved the ceasefire on Tuesday night after Lebanon had already agreed to it.

The sources, which followed up on the negotiations for the 60-day truce, said the steps call for the withdrawal of Hezbollah fighters and their weapons from the South where the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon is deployed. In return, Israeli forces will withdraw from southern Lebanon.

More negotiations through American mediators will take place throughout the process.

The sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Trump “gave his blessing” to the process during his meeting with Biden at the White House two weeks ago.

A committee led by the US will oversee the implementation of the withdrawal. France, Lebanon, Israel and UNIFIL are also part of the committee.

Asharq Al-Awsat learned that Hezbollah’s withdrawal will take place in three 20-day phases. The first withdrawal will take place in the western sector.

It will coincide with an Israeli pullout from areas it occupied in that region. A strengthened Lebanese army force and UNIFIL troops will deploy in their place.

The second phase will cover the central sector and follow the same process.

The residents of the frontline southern villages will not be allowed to return to their homes immediately until they are deemed safe and after ensuring that no Hezbollah members or weapons remain there.

Residents of the so-called second and third line of villages south of the Litani River will be allowed to return to their homes immediately.

The source expected the US to play an “effective role” in the mechanism to oversee the withdrawal. It did not clarify whether any American forces will take part in the process.

It revealed that Britain and other countries will “exert special efforts to verify whether illegitimate weapons are being smuggled to Hezbollah.”

The five-member committee will not replace the tripartite committee already in place and that includes Lebanon, Israel and UNIFIL.