Iraq: Disintegration of Coordination Framework, or New Early Elections

 Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani speaks at a press conference on Jan. 13. (Reuters)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani speaks at a press conference on Jan. 13. (Reuters)
TT
20

Iraq: Disintegration of Coordination Framework, or New Early Elections

 Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani speaks at a press conference on Jan. 13. (Reuters)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani speaks at a press conference on Jan. 13. (Reuters)

Sources close to influential parties in Iraq point that the political equation that brought about the government of Mohammad Shia al-Sudani will undergo sharp changes.

The sources cited various circumstances, the most important of which is the highly probable return of the leader of As-Sadr movement, Muqtada al-Sadr, to the political arena, and the sharp divisions among the poles of the Coordination Framework.

Shiite parties are trying to anticipate “unexpected big turns” by drawing a new map that may include setting a date for early elections and reaching an understanding with al-Sadr on the next stage.

According to informed sources, the relationship between Sudani and the Framework has become “turbulent and lacking coordination.”

“Al-Sudani and the Framework are both working in opposite directions, and each side looks at the other in a way of domination, not cooperation,” the sources said.

Local media claimed that Al-Sudani would resort to a cabinet reshuffle that might include partisan figures with whom Washington has banned dealings, due to their association with the armed factions. However, Iraqi politicians, who spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat, said that the premier’s intention was linked to the conflict within the Coordination Framework.

In a video broadcast on state television, Sudani appeared to be criticizing the performance of some ministers, noting that others had received threats from their parties.

The Iraqi prime minister had never made such frank statements publicly, which were seen by local public opinion as directed at the Framework coalition.

“A minister’s relationship with the political forces ends after he is nominated and gains the confidence of parliament [...]. Whoever feels pressured or threatened, I am here,” he said.

Questions arise on the status of the Framework, and whether it is able to remain united in supporting the government that it formed.

A leader in the Framework said: “Al-Sadr is ready to move, and everything he does raises the anxiety of the leaders of the Shiite parties, while they got involved in major disputes over the sphere of influence within the government.”

Meanwhile, US Ambassador to Baghdad Alina Romanowski, held several meetings with anti-Washington Shiite leaders, such as the leader of Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq and the deputy speaker of parliament, Mohsen al-Mandalawi.

Although the official statements issued at the end of those meetings were brief in general, the atmosphere of “the coordination framework and the sharp polarization between its parties indicate an accelerated movement that paves the way for a new phase,” as stated by a Shiite leader who assumed a high position in the two previous governments.



Following Netanyahu and Trump Statements… PA Says Holds Onto State, Gaza Rule

This picture taken from a position at Israel's border with the Gaza Strip shows Israeli army vehicles driving in the besieged Palestinian territory on July 8, 2025. (Photo by Jack GUEZ / AFP)
This picture taken from a position at Israel's border with the Gaza Strip shows Israeli army vehicles driving in the besieged Palestinian territory on July 8, 2025. (Photo by Jack GUEZ / AFP)
TT
20

Following Netanyahu and Trump Statements… PA Says Holds Onto State, Gaza Rule

This picture taken from a position at Israel's border with the Gaza Strip shows Israeli army vehicles driving in the besieged Palestinian territory on July 8, 2025. (Photo by Jack GUEZ / AFP)
This picture taken from a position at Israel's border with the Gaza Strip shows Israeli army vehicles driving in the besieged Palestinian territory on July 8, 2025. (Photo by Jack GUEZ / AFP)

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa said on Tuesday the Israeli plan to block the creation of a Palestinian State and the return of rule to the Gaza Strip, will not succeed.

During the weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Mustafa stressed that the official Palestinian stance is the embodiment of an independent state.

“The establishment of a Palestinian state requires cooperation under a single political and security system, alongside unified national institutions,” the PM said.

He noted that only through such unity can humanitarian aid effectively reach the people of Gaza and reconstruction efforts commence, ultimately leading to the realization of the long-awaited independent Palestinian state.

Mustafa said Israel is actively opposing this vision by mobilizing all its institutions and agencies to weaken the Palestinian Authority and enforce a financial blockade aimed at preventing it from fulfilling its responsibilities toward the people in Gaza.

Additionally, he said, Israel seeks to block the creation of a Palestinian state, despite widespread international consensus in its favor.

“The Israeli plan will not succeed,” the PM noted, underscoring the resilience of the Palestinian people and their steadfast determination to fulfill their national responsibilities with unwavering strength and resolve.

The Prime Minister also noted that with the growing likelihood of a near ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the government hopes for swift success in these efforts, while emphasizing that preparations are underway to coordinate relief operations and organize a reconstruction conference.

Mustafa spoke after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during his meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington that Israel would not allow the establishment of the Palestinian state, and that he was working with several states to push Palestinians from Gaza to other countries.

Also, a senior Israeli official accompanying Netanyahu to the US said that Israel was preparing to assume control of Gaza temporarily.

Day After

In Washington, Netanyahu and Trump discussed what Gaza might look like the “day after” the war with Hamas, according to the Hebrew Maariv newspaper and the Walla website.

Later, an Israeli official made a firm statement saying: “Of course there will be Palestinians, but there will be no Palestinian Authority.”