Iraqi Parliament Approves Al-Sudani’s Government

A picture shows a view of the Iraqi Parliament in the capital Baghdad, ahead of a confidence vote on a new government on October 27, 2022. (Photo by Ahmad Al-Rubaye / AFP)
A picture shows a view of the Iraqi Parliament in the capital Baghdad, ahead of a confidence vote on a new government on October 27, 2022. (Photo by Ahmad Al-Rubaye / AFP)
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Iraqi Parliament Approves Al-Sudani’s Government

A picture shows a view of the Iraqi Parliament in the capital Baghdad, ahead of a confidence vote on a new government on October 27, 2022. (Photo by Ahmad Al-Rubaye / AFP)
A picture shows a view of the Iraqi Parliament in the capital Baghdad, ahead of a confidence vote on a new government on October 27, 2022. (Photo by Ahmad Al-Rubaye / AFP)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, whose government won Parliament’s confidence on Thursday, pledged to hold early parliamentary elections within a year, in what appeared to be an attempt to appease the leader of the Sadrist movement, Muqtada Al-Sadr.

Al-Sudani pledged to “amend the Parliamentary Elections Law within three months and hold early elections within a year.”

The policy statement said the government was committed to build effective anti-corruption tools within 90 days.

Al-Sudani also announced reviewing all the decisions of the caretaker government, especially those pertaining to the country’s economy and security, as well as the hasty appointments and the disbursement of petrodollar dues to the oil and gas-producing governorates.

The new Iraqi prime minister said the government would unify customs procedures at all land, sea and air border crossings and close unofficial ports. It will also earmark “a sufficient budget to compensate those affected by terrorist and military operations in accordance with the law in force.”

Some observers said that Al-Sudani’s pledge to hold early elections within a year after amending the electoral law, was an ambitious and far-fetched plan, amid the persisting political differences.

On the other hand, the new prime minister appeared to be trying to please the Sadrist movement and its leader. Al-Sadr, who had rejected to participate in the government before his withdrawal from Parliament, did not express strong opposition to the formation of Al-Sudani’s government.

In a series of tweets, Al-Sadr steered clear of his harsh criticism against the political parties.

In fact, the distribution of the ministerial seats among the three main Iraqi components (Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds), did not give the prime minister sufficient freedom to choose his ministers.

Moreover, sectarian divisions led to the insistence by some parties on taking over certain key ministries, including the ministries of defense and interior, as well as other important portfolios, such as oil, transportation and planning.



Israel Hits Beirut’s Southern Suburbs

A damaged car lies amid the destruction in the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the neighborhood of Haret Hreik in Beirut's southern suburbs on November 23, 2024, amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah.  (Photo by AFP)
A damaged car lies amid the destruction in the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the neighborhood of Haret Hreik in Beirut's southern suburbs on November 23, 2024, amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah. (Photo by AFP)
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Israel Hits Beirut’s Southern Suburbs

A damaged car lies amid the destruction in the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the neighborhood of Haret Hreik in Beirut's southern suburbs on November 23, 2024, amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah.  (Photo by AFP)
A damaged car lies amid the destruction in the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the neighborhood of Haret Hreik in Beirut's southern suburbs on November 23, 2024, amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah. (Photo by AFP)

The Israeli army carried out airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, called Dahiyeh, again on Saturday.

It warned residents in parts of the suburbs that they were residing near Hezbollah facilities, which the army would target in the near future.

The warning, posted on X, told people to evacuate at least 500 meters away.

The army said that over the past day it had conducted intelligence-based strikes on Hezbollah targets in Dahiyeh, where Hezbollah has a strong presence. It said it hit several command centers and weapons storage facilities.