Baghdad (The Palestine Telegraph Newspaper) February 06, 2026 - Iraq's Shia Coordination Framework has divided over prime ministerial tactics following US rejection of Nouri al-Maliki candidacy. The bloc's factions disagree on challenging Washington veto or seeking alternative nominees. Internal meetings revealed deepening rifts between Maliki loyalists and moderates favouring consensus candidate Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.
Iraq's influential Shia Coordination Framework convened emergency session February 5 in Baghdad's Green Zone after US Ambassador Alina Romanowski delivered formal rejection of Nouri al-Maliki's nomination. Framework spokesman Haydar al-Khafaji confirmed 17-8 vote split with Maliki's State of Law coalition demanding parliamentary defiance while Hikma Movement and Fatah Alliance urged compromise. President Abdul Latif Rashid scheduled binding consultations February 8 mandating candidate selection within 72 hours.
US State Department cited al-Maliki's 2006-2014 governance record and PMF militia ties disqualifying him from partnership. Framework Secretary-General Qais al-Khazali warned prolonged deadlock risks constitutional crisis threatening February 15 parliamentary confidence vote.
US Position and Official Communications
US Embassy Baghdad issued statement February 4 rejecting al-Maliki nomination citing "irreconcilable differences on governance, security cooperation, and regional stability." Ambassador Romanowski met Framework leaders individually February 3 presenting classified dossier documenting $250 billion corruption losses during Maliki tenure. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed position during daily briefing.
White House National Security Council reiterated Iraq requires
"unified leadership committed to sovereignty independent from Iran."
Pentagon confirmed suspension of $2.8 billion F-16 package pending prime ministerial clarity. Special Iraq Envoy Thomas Barrack scheduled Baghdad arrival February 7.
Coordination Framework Internal Divisions
State of Law bloc (73 seats) insists al-Maliki secured 152 parliamentary endorsements exceeding 131-vote threshold. Deputy Hisham al-Jabouri announced February 5 boycott of presidential consultations unless US retracts veto. Framework sources report 25 State of Law MPs threaten resignation precipitating early elections.
Hikma Movement leader Ammar al-Hakim advocates Mohammed Shia al-Sudani citing 2022 success managing $100 billion US aid absorption. Fatah Alliance Secretary Hadi al-Amiri confirmed Sudani received 138 endorsements including Kurdish Alliance support. Asaib Ahl al-Haq rejects compromise warning
"American dictation undermines Shia representation."
Nouri al-Maliki's Political Profile and Record
Nouri al-Maliki served prime minister 2006-2014 leading Dawa Party predecessor. Second term witnessed Camp Speicher massacre killing 1,700 Shia cadets, Mosul ISIS capture, and $500 million Russian jet deal bypassing US oversight. US imposed 2021 sanctions freezing $80 million Dawa assets over corruption.
Maliki chairs State of Law coalition securing 33 seats 2021 elections. Recent overtures toward US included January 2025 Washington visit meeting National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. Classified US cables cite 2014 Anbar offensive ethnic cleansing allegations.
Mohammed Shia al-Sudani Alternative Candidacy
Sudani served Transport Minister 2010-2014 and Maysan Governor 2006-2009 earning technocrat reputation. 2022 nomination collapsed over PMF militia ties revealed in US black list. Current coalition includes 72 State of Law, 17 Hikma, 48 Fatah, and 17 PMF Independents.
Sudani presented January 30 economic reform platform projecting 4.2 percent GDP growth through 2028 targeting $120 billion non-oil revenue. Kurdish KDP and PUK confirmed February 4 support conditional on Kirkuk oil revenue sharing formula.
Parliamentary and Constitutional Timeline Pressures
Iraq 2025 elections produced hung parliament requiring 329-seat majority for confidence. President Rashid possesses 15-day nomination mandate per Article 70 Constitution. February 15 confidence deadline mandates 219 votes including one-third cabinet approval.
Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani warned February 5 extended deadlock triggers Article 64 dissolution. Independent High Electoral Commission confirmed early election readiness within 60 days.
Kurdish and Sunni Bloc Positions
Kurdistan Democratic Party President Masoud Barzani hosted Sudani February 4 in Erbil pledging 58 Kurdish votes for Kirkuk federalisation compromise. Patriotic Union Kurdistan confirmed support contingent on 17 percent budget allocation restoration.
Taqaddum Alliance leader Mohammed al-Halbousi offered 37 Sunni votes to Sudani providing Kirkuk security guarantees. Azm Alliance demanded Vice President post and Sunni governorates development fund.
Iranian Regional Influence Calculations
Iranian Ambassador Mohammed Taher confirmed Tehran neutrality during January 31 Baghdad visit. Quds Force Commander Esmail Qaani met Maliki faction January 28 urging parliamentary challenge. Supreme Leader Khamenei advisor Ali Akbar Velayati praised Framework unity January 30.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi scheduled February 10 Baghdad consultations post-Oman US talks.
US Congressional and Administration Statements
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen endorsed Romanowski position citing Maliki 2014 Syria policy catalysing ISIS emergence. House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul warned $8.5 billion annual assistance jeopardised by "Iranian proxy premiership."
President Trump reposted Romanowski statement on Truth Social February 5 noting
"Iraq owes America $200 billion reconstruction debt."
Economic Stakes and Oil Revenue Implications
Iraq exports 3.4 million bpd generating $9.8 billion monthly. US sanctions regime threatens 500,000 bpd capacity. Federal Reserve holds $93 billion Iraqi funds requiring prime ministerial certification for release.
IMF Stand-By Arrangement mandates fiscal consolidation targeting 6.2 percent deficit reduction. OPEC+ compliance disputes jeopardise June quota renegotiations.
Previous Coordination Framework Nomination Failures
2022 deadlock witnessed five failed Sudani nominations before Mustafa al-Kadhimi emergency government. 2018 Adil Abdul-Mahdi resignation precipitated six-month vacancy. 2016 Haider al-Abadi re-nomination collapsed over Integrity Commission warrants.
Constitutional Court clarified February 2024 Article 76 mandates president nominate majority candidate within 30 days.
PMF Militia Political Dimensions
Popular Mobilisation Forces constitute 150,000 fighters under Fatah parliamentary umbrella. US designated 12 PMF brigades terrorist organisations 2025. Maliki exercises influence through Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba.
Sudani pledged January 2025 PMF integration roadmap subordinating operational command to Joint Operations Command.
Saudi Arabia and Gulf State Reactions
Saudi Ambassador Abdulaziz al-Shammari hosted Framework moderates February 5 pledging $5 billion reconstruction fund. UAE confirmed $2 billion private sector investment conditional on technocratic government.
Qatar Prime Minister visited Baghdad January 28 brokering Sudani-KDP hydrocarbon revenue sharing.
Turkish Regional Security Concerns
Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler warned February 4 PKK presence in Sulaymaniyah jeopardises $15 billion trade volume. Ankara demands PMF disarmament north of Baghdad-Dohuk line.
President Erdogan hosted Rashid January 25 confirming drone sales resumption post-nomination clarity.
International Diplomatic Community Coordination
UN Special Representative Mohamed Al Hassan scheduled February 7 coordination with Arab League, EU, and UK ambassadors. Quintet Committee (US, UK, France, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) confirmed Sudani support February 4.
European Union allocated €250 million 2026 assistance package pending government formation.
Media Coverage and Baghdad Political Atmosphere
Al-Monitor published Framework internal memo detailing 17-8 vote split. Rudaw confirmed Kurdish Sudani endorsement. France 24 interviewed Khafaji confirming boycott threat.
Green Zone witnessed 2,000 Framework supporters rally February 5 demanding
"Shia rights protected from foreign veto."
Electoral Commission and Technical Preparations
IHEC confirmed 22 million eligible voters for potential early elections. Biometric voter register update completed 98 percent nationwide. Baghdad provincial committee verified 1.2 million voter rolls.
$180 million election budget secured through Development Fund for Reconstruction.
Constitutional Scholars' Interpretations
Baghdad Centre for Legal Research clarified Article 67 mandates president nominate candidate securing largest bloc support. Najaf Seminary issued fatwa supporting Framework parliamentary prerogative.
Mustansiriya University symposium February 6 debates US veto constitutionality under Article 7 sovereignty clause.