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Tripartite Delegation in Erbil to Resolve Presidential Candidate Impasse

Iraqi President Barham Salih (Reuters)
Iraqi President Barham Salih (Reuters)
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Tripartite Delegation in Erbil to Resolve Presidential Candidate Impasse

Iraqi President Barham Salih (Reuters)
Iraqi President Barham Salih (Reuters)

Iraq's Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi arrived in Erbil on Monday, accompanied by the candidate for the prime minister post, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, and Head of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) Falih al-Fayyadh.

The delegation held talks with Head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) Masoud Barzani in a bid to reach an agreement on the disputed presidential candidate between the two main Kurdish parties, the KDP and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).

The Management of State coalition urged both Kurdish parties on Sunday to either agree on a consensual candidate or set up a selection mechanism.

This means proceeding according to the 2018 scenario, when current President Barham Salih of the PUK won over his main rival, Fuad Hussein, of the KDP.

Salih considered that waiting a year after Iraq's last general election is a reminder of the political class’s failure to fulfill its constitutional tasks and duties.

He cited the wasted opportunities, which represent an incentive to unite ranks and hold inclusive national dialogue that prioritizes the country and its citizens’ interests and fulfills their right to a free and dignified life.

“It is time to end the cycle of crises and establish good governance,” Salih said.

Caretaker Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, for his part, renewed his call on all political parties to engage in serious constructive dialogue to end the political deadlock.

“On October 10, 2021, we implemented the most important task in the government’s agenda. We held early legislative elections that were fair and professional, according to the United Nations and all international observers,” he stressed in a statement published by his office.

Kadhimi added that during the past two years, the government worked on a different approach based on dialogue, understanding, cooperation and partnership.

“We were calm and rational while addressing the various events and situations, despite the unfair attacks against,” the PM said, noting that this approach is aimed at maintaining calm and stability to establish a political culture that adopts democratic values and renounces violence and tyranny.

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Baghdad Urges Washington to Prevent ‘Imminent’ Israeli Strikes

Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)
Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)
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Baghdad Urges Washington to Prevent ‘Imminent’ Israeli Strikes

Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)
Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Thursday called on major powers to “exert greater efforts to end the war in Palestine and Lebanon.” Meanwhile, an Iraqi government official urged the United States to “prevent any attacks on the country,” referring to potential Israeli strikes.
During a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Al-Sudani stressed the importance of ensuring the conflict does not escalate “to a level that threatens regional and global stability.”
The Iraqi prime minister’s appeal comes amid reports suggesting that Israel may launch strikes on Iraq in retaliation for attacks by Iraqi armed factions targeting Israeli positions.
The Iraqi government is striving to assert its exclusive authority over weapons and war-related decisions. However, armed factions affiliated with the Axis of Resistance openly claim responsibility for near-daily rocket attacks on Israel. This has provided Israel with a justification for potentially targeting Iraqi territory, especially after it filed a complaint with the UN Security Council against six Iraqi factions and held Baghdad responsible for the attacks.
These factions have also openly declared their involvement in the ongoing conflict with Israel in Lebanon and Gaza. The Iraqi government has been unable to take decisive action to halt the activities of these factions, which many believe could soon expose Iraq to an Israeli strike.
According to media reports, Washington has warned Baghdad that Israeli airstrikes on Iraq are “imminent” unless the Iraqi government curtails attacks by Iranian-backed factions on Israel. The Times of Israel cited sources indicating that the United States has “exhausted all means of pressure on Israel” and urged Iraq to act swiftly to prevent such attacks.
Despite repeated assurances from the Iraqi government—including its recent adoption of 12 measures by the National Security Council to counter Israeli threats and complaints—the situation remains tense. These measures include monitoring Iraq’s western borders, preventing factions from launching attacks, and maintaining Iraq’s neutrality in the ongoing conflict.
On Wednesday, Abu Hussein Al-Hamidawi, Secretary-General of Kata’ib Hezbollah, made a striking statement on the role of resistance factions in the war and their commitment to the Unity of Fronts doctrine frequently mentioned by Axis of Resistance groups.
In an interview published by the faction’s media arm, Al-Hamidawi said: “The continuity of the Unity of Fronts concept depends on what the Lebanese Hezbollah decides.”
Al-Hamidawi also emphasized that resistance factions are constantly coordinating internally and with external partners such as Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Palestinian resistance leaders.
“We aim to ensure that the Palestinian people are not left alone and that the Unity of Fronts remains intact,” he stated.
Fadi Al-Shammari, a political advisor to Sudani, reiterated that Israel’s threats “are not new,” citing the recent complaint filed by Israel with the UN Security Council as part of its pattern of issuing threats.
In media statements, Al-Shammari reaffirmed the Iraqi government’s long-standing position: “The decision of war and peace lies solely with the Iraqi government.”
He noted that the factions’ attacks are being launched from areas outside Iraq’s borders, specifically from Syria. However, he stressed that the Iraqi government is working through its security and military agencies to prevent Iraq from becoming a battlefield for external or internal parties.
Al-Shammari also called on the United States to fulfill its responsibilities under the Strategic Framework Agreement and security pact with Iraq, emphasizing the need to deter and respond to any external attacks that threaten Iraq’s internal security.