Nouri al-Maliki Will Not Seek Another Term in Iraq

According to recent reports, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki will not seek another term in Iraq, despite earlier suggestions that he would try to stay. He gave a speak on television which he thanked supporters, as well as showing his support by not only standing next to Haider al-Abadi (who is set to replace al-Maliki) through his comments, but also by saying that he was moving along in order for his “brother” to set up the Iraqi government. He also ensured that this transition would be a smooth one from his perspective (Michaels, USA Today).

Many are relieved to hear this, as it will potentially avoid further confrontation and instability in the Iraqi government as they try to deal with the advancing ISIS or Islamic State forces. In fact, many have been critical of al-Maliki’s tenure over the years, arguing that he has ignored addressing Sunni concerns, which may have partially led to the current sectarian tensions in the country. According to Jim Michaels’ report in USA Today, he says that

“Since the departure of U.S. troops at the end of 2011, in part because al-Maliki would not agree to U.S. terms for keeping U.S. troops in Iraq longer, sectarian tensions have risen sharply. They came to a head in June, when Islamic State militants attacked Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city, and four divisions of the Iraqi army collapsed, abandoned their weapons and fled. The militants captured the heavy arms, much of it provided by the U.S. military, and are now using it against Iraq’s troops.

Foreign policy analysts said al-Maliki had appointed Shiite cronies to command positions, undermining the effectiveness of the U.S.-trained and equipped Iraqi armed forces.”

The key now it to form a government that will be able to address the numerous issues that Iraq is now facing, such as the Islamic State threat, other security issues within the state, as well as working on employment, education issues, and civil society trust.

Again, they will have to do all of this in the context of a civil war, one in which the Islamic State continues to spread through Iraq, committing various crimes against humanity in the process.

Al-Abadi will have a month to try to form a new coalition government in Iraq.