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| (Reuters) |
As the largest list the Coordination Framework is attempting to parcel out the positions within the new government of Prime Minister Mohammed Sudani. Some of these have been questionable appointments, while other times Sudani is attempting to exert some independence.
One of Sudani’s first moves was to name Rabie Nadir to head communications for the prime minister’s office. Before he worked for TV stations run by Kataib Hezbollah and Asaib Ahl Al-Haq, and was then placed in charge of communications for PM Adil Abdul Mahdi. His new appointment was praised by figures friendly with Tehran. It’s not clear if Sudani was close to Nadir or whether this was made for the Coordination Framework. It does bring up issues about how the new PM will present his views. The two channels Nadir worked for were full of Iranian propaganda and attacked the U.S. Sudani was also backed by Nouri al-Maliki who is close to Iran and wants to shape the new administration.
On the other hand, the premier named himself the temporary head of Iraq’s National Intelligence Service. This position is hotly contested within the Framework. Al Mada reported that Asaib Ahl Al-Haq and Kataib Hezbollah both want the intelligence office. Sudani said that he would give the agency to an expert not a political appointee. It will have to be seen whether he can pick his own person or whether he will have to give into his list. Usually the positions are divided up amongst the parties and with Sudani’s questionable base it’s up in the air about how much say he has on who gets what.
SOURCES
Abu Need, Adnan, “Iraqi prime minister to head Intelligence Service,” Al Monitor, 11/7/22
Malik, Hamdi, Knights, Michael, “Militia Journalist to Head New Prime Minister’s Communications Team,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy, 11/3/22
Al Monitor, “Sudani removes head of Iraqi intelligence, other officials,” 11/2/22
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