Human review coming soon.
Iraq Names New Prime Minister
Ali al-Zaidi was named prime minister-designate of Iraq. He is a businessman who has never held a government post before.
Iraq's president tasked al-Zaidi with forming a government on Monday. This followed his pick by Iraq's main group in parliament.
Al-Zaidi also leads Al-Janoob Islamic Bank. That bank was previously sanctioned by the United States.
Under Iraq's constitution he has 30 days to present a cabinet to parliament. The nomination came after months of pressure from both the United States and Iran.
Reports say the deadlock was partly triggered by President Trump's opposition to former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Trump reportedly threatened to cut all aid to Iraq if al-Maliki was appointed. Trump viewed al-Maliki as too close to Iran.
Klear Note — Iraq's prime minister leads the government and forms the cabinet. The US and Iran both have influence over Iraqi politics and leadership choices.
Key Terms 4
- prime minister-designate
- Person chosen to try to form a new government
- sanctioned
- Punished by a country by blocking trade or money
- cabinet
- The group of top ministers who run the government
- parliamentary bloc
- A large group of politicians who work together in parliament