31.01.2026 19:24
As the prime ministerial race in Iraq brings international tensions, the Shiite political group's candidate Nuri Kamil al-Maliki sent a clear message to Washington. Despite the open pressures from U.S. President Donald Trump, Maliki stated that he would not back down, emphasizing that Iraq's sovereignty cannot be a subject of debate.
Nuri Kamil al-Maliki, who was nominated for prime minister by the Coordination Framework, the umbrella organization of Shia political groups in Iraq, announced that he would not withdraw his candidacy despite the open obstruction attempts of U.S. President Donald Trump. Maliki emphasized that they would not allow interference in Iraq's internal affairs.
"NATIONAL WILL IS AN UNWAVERING PRINCIPLE"
Evaluating the harsh reactions from Washington regarding his candidacy, Maliki stated that the process of forming a government is entirely dependent on the will of the Iraqi people. Maliki said, "The right of our people to choose their own political system and leaders through constitutional institutions is an unwavering principle for us. We trust this will and will never back down from it."
EMPHASIS ON DEMOCRATIC GAINS
Maliki, who argued that the picture that emerged after the elections should be preserved, highlighted the importance of meritocracy and independent decision-making mechanisms. The prime ministerial candidate expressed that they would uphold Iraq's democratic success, stating, "We respect our own national will. We expect other countries to respect our decisions in the same way."
IRAQ'S INDEPENDENCE IN FOCUS
Maliki also touched upon the foreign policy strategy he would pursue if elected prime minister, emphasizing balanced relations. He argued that contacts to be established with regional and global powers should be "free from external interventions, based on common interests and partnerships," indicating that they would prioritize Iraq's independence.
TRUMP'S THREATS TRIGGERED A CRISIS
The process had turned into an international crisis with U.S. President Donald Trump's opposition to Maliki's candidacy. Trump argued that Maliki should not be allowed to be elected prime minister, threatening that all financial and military aid to Iraq would be cut off in the opposite case. This statement caused tensions in the diplomatic ties between Baghdad and Washington.