Iraq Parliament Elects Al-Halbousi as Speaker
The Spin
Anti-Iran narrative
The parliamentary session masks deeper dysfunction as pro-Iran armed factions now control 80 to 90 seats, up from just 17 in 2021. Sudani's attempt to build independence collapsed when courts forced him back under Coordination Framework control. This massive expansion of sanctioned militia influence threatens Iraq's relations with the United States, EU and Gulf states.
Pro-Iran narrative
Though Sudani has plenty of room to maneuver, he is not guaranteed a second term. Halbousi is known for his pragmatism and his openness toward working with Shiite and Kurdish factions, but, ultimately, the deciding factor regarding Iraq's next government will be whether Shiite parties can assemble a unified and coherent coalition. Indeed, no one wants to repeat the post-election violence of 2022, when Sadrists attacked Baghdad.
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