Crisis in Nineveh: Deadlock and division jeopardize Provincial Council
Political Deadlock
Muhanad Najm Al-Jubouri, head of the United Nineveh Bloc and a member of the Nineveh Provincial Council, told Shafaq News that the council's crises stem from its transformation into a 'political council', and the 'subordination' of Future Nineveh Bloc members (aligned with the Coordination Framework) to the will and directives of political forces and leaders inside and outside the province.
United Nineveh leaders have granted their members the authority to make decisions they deem beneficial for the province, he stated, accusing Future Nineveh members of having to consult their leadership in Baghdad and within Nineveh before making any major decisions, which he said was causing dysfunction within the council.
For his part, Ahmed Al-Kiki, head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) bloc in the Nineveh council, noted that a key factor behind the council's escalating disputes was the Future Nineveh Bloc's "betrayal of agreements and the principle of partnership," pointing out that after securing a majority with 16 members, 'the bloc unilaterally made decisions, held sessions independently, and voted alone on the dismissal and appointment of administrative unit heads while disregarding the positions of other blocs.'
Turmoil After Chairman's Dismissal
The dismissal of Nineveh Council Chairman Al-Hasoud has triggered a new crisis within the council. Regarding this issue, Muhanad Najm Al-Jubouri asserted that the move was 'legal and valid' after 16 members—constituting the required majority of half plus one—voted in favor of his removal.
Al-Kiki told Shafaq News that due to the council's failure to hold a session this year, the KDP, United Nineveh, and three Future Nineveh defectors convened to dismiss Al-Hasoud, stresseing that the new majority acted solely on the dismissal and later invited the Future Nineveh to rejoin the council. He described Al-Hasoud's dismissal as "a necessary step to correct the council's course".
However, on March 9, the Administrative Judiciary Court suspended the decision to remove Al-Hasoud, citing articles 151 and 152 of the Civil Procedure Law No. 83 of 1969. In response, the United Nineveh (comprising Sunni Arab forces) and the KDP boycotted council sessions in protest against Al-Hasoud's continued tenure despite the council's vote to dismiss him in a session held on March 5.
Uncertain Future
As crises within the Nineveh Council intensify, public calls for its dissolution are growing, and some political blocs within the council are not ruling out the possibility, especially as a resolution to the disputes remains unclear in the near future.
If political conflicts reach a deadlock, dissolving the council could become inevitable, Al-kiki assumed. However, he expressed hope for potential solutions, including removing Al-Hasoud, and restoring genuine partnership and consensus within the council.
Political analyst Mustafa Al-Obaidi also reckoned that the deepening disputes during this final term of local councils reinforce arguments for dissolving them, as critics view these bodies as unnecessary and prone to political maneuvering and financial corruption.
Regarding a near-term resolution he ruled out this possibility, indicating to Shafaq News, 'The upcoming phase will be marked by parliamentary elections, which will further fuel sectarian and ideological divisions.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Iraqi News
an hour ago
- Iraqi News
Iraq's security chief arrives in Erbil to investigate recent drone attacks
Baghdad ( – Iraq's National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji, accompanied by senior security officials, arrived in the capital of the Kurdistan region of Iraq, Erbil, on Monday to look into a series of drone and missile attacks that recently targeted several sites in northern Iraq. Al-Araji's visit to Iraqi Kurdistan took place just hours after another bomb-laden drone was shot down in Erbil province, according to local media outlets. The security team landed at Erbil International Airport at 9:00 a.m., where they were greeted by Rebar Ahmed, Minister of Interior for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). The major goal of the mission is to undertake a hands-on investigation into the recent string of drone assaults on Kurdish airports and oil facilities. It is al-Araji's first official visit to Iraqi Kurdistan since the strikes began earlier this month. Previously, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani formed a commission to investigate the attacks, but the results have not been made available to the public. Al-Araji is expected to meet with senior officials in the KRG. The discussions are anticipated to address the recent assaults, the overall relationship between Erbil and Baghdad, and other important concerns.
Shafaq News
2 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Three years on, Is PM Al-Sudani responsible for Iraq's failing services?
Shafaq News – Baghdad When Mohammed Shia al-Sudani assumed the premiership in 2022, he declared a clear priority: building a 'services government.' From electricity and water to healthcare and education, his cabinet pledged to reverse Iraq's chronic infrastructure failures. But nearly three years into his term, many Iraqis see little improvement, raising a pressing question: how much of the country's persistent service failure falls on al-Sudani himself? From Promise to Disappointment Al-Sudani's government identified key priorities: fighting corruption, improving public services, stimulating the economy, enhancing national security, and resolving federal disputes with the Kurdistan Region. On paper, the focus was comprehensive and ambitious. In practice, however, delivery has lagged far behind public expectations. The Prime Minister has repeatedly emphasized anti-corruption efforts, infrastructure development, and economic diversification. Still, Iraqis continue to suffer from recurring power outages, water scarcity, and poor health and education services. The symbolic slogan of a 'government of services' now risks eroding public trust as the realities on the ground diverge sharply from official rhetoric. Mounting Frustrations and Heatwaves The current summer has seen electricity failures spike dramatically amid soaring temperatures above 50°C, forcing many provinces to suspend work and schools. Political analyst Abbas al-Jubouri told Shafaq News that 'there is clear negligence across all services, particularly electricity,' noting that drought-induced water shortages, stalled projects, and the delayed disbursement of the federal budget have all worsened the service crisis. 'The government made promises, but the situation in Baghdad and other provinces is visibly deteriorating,' al-Jubouri added, arguing that basic infrastructure projects like roads and bridges—now hailed as achievements—should have been the norm, not exceptions. Political Structure or Executive Failure? Critics are divided on where ultimate responsibility lies. Political analyst Mujashaa al-Tamimi argued that while al-Sudani's administration carries part of the blame, Iraq's systemic flaws run deeper. 'Service deterioration did not start with this government,' al-Tamimi said, noting that since 2003, successive cabinets have promised reforms that largely remained 'ink on paper.' He pointed to Iraq's entrenched ethno-sectarian power-sharing system, or Muhasasa, as a major obstacle: it prevents the appointment of qualified officials, empowers party loyalties over state performance, and shields corruption. Al-Tamimi also emphasized the absence of effective oversight mechanisms and political stability, which he believes have rendered the legislative branch incapable of imposing executive accountability. Despite what he described as 'some visible achievements' by al-Sudani's government in limited sectors, political interference and appointments based on loyalty have curtailed the Prime Minister's ability to lead sweeping reforms. Civil Society Response and a Warning from October Civil society voices echo a growing sense of frustration. Activist Noor Salem told Shafaq News that the political class, especially ruling parties, bear primary responsibility for the deterioration of services. He argued that the lessons of the 2019 October protests—which triggered government resignations and political reckoning—were not absorbed by the ruling elite. 'The system has regressed,' he said. 'What we're seeing now—sectarian quotas, project mismanagement, and administrative chaos—is worse than what triggered the October Uprising,' Salem warned of rising public anger and hinted at renewed protest movements if the situation remains unchanged. His warning is underpinned by a financial reality: despite massive spending over recent years, infrastructure and service outputs remain modest. Delays in passing the 2025 budget tables are adding fuel to popular dissatisfaction. Budget Paralysis and Institutional Decay Parliamentary voices, such as that of Mahdiya al-Lami from the Services and Reconstruction Committee, offer a mixed diagnosis. Al-Lami acknowledged that protests are constitutionally protected and a legitimate response to poor services. She attributed the crisis partly to chronic underfunding and, at times, the complete absence of financial allocations. 'Despite passing the tripartite budget law, budget schedules haven't yet reached Parliament,' she explained, describing widespread institutional paralysis across ministries and departments. She also blamed delayed projects, rampant corruption, and the lack of administrative and technical capacity. More significantly, al-Lami pointed to a broader decay in national responsibility and vision. 'There is no genuine political will to reform or deliver,' she said bluntly. Accountability in a Captive System While al-Sudani's term has not been devoid of progress, especially in launching select infrastructure and employment initiatives, the failure to deliver comprehensive service improvements is increasingly viewed as a leadership shortfall. However, as analysts and lawmakers agree, he operates within a dysfunctional structure that limits reform. With time running out and popular discontent deepening, al-Sudani faces a critical test: either break the political mold or become yet another prime minister who promised services and delivered frustration. Written and edited by Shafaq News staff.
Shafaq News
12 hours ago
- Shafaq News
What We Know So Far: Armed PMF Faction storms ministry office
Shafaq News – Baghdad Armed clashes erupted Sunday morning between members of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and Iraqi security forces at a Ministry of Agriculture office in the Dora district, south of Baghdad. The incident left two people dead—including a civilian passerby—and injured at least twelve others. According to Iraq's Joint Operations Command, the gunmen belonged to PMF Brigades 45 and 46, affiliated with the Kataib Hezbollah faction. The command said the group stormed a government building and exchanged fire with state security personnel tasked with protecting public institutions. Security forces arrested 14 suspects during the operation. Upon verifying their identities, authorities confirmed all belonged to the aforementioned PMF brigades. Legal proceedings have been initiated, and the detainees have been referred to the judiciary. The Iraqi Interior Ministry provided further details, revealing that the armed group broke into the Ministry of Agriculture's office in western Baghdad during an internal meeting, prompting panic among employees who called for immediate help. Several officers and personnel sustained injuries in the confrontation. Security sources told Shafaq News that the incident originated from a dispute between two individuals affiliated with the PMF over an administrative appointment. When the newly appointed director attempted to assume his duties, the current officeholder refused to hand over the position. The incoming official reportedly returned with an armed group, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Military and security officials from Baghdad Operations Command, the Federal Police, and the PMF's own internal security directorate later intervened to de-escalate the situation. Authorities confirmed the site is now secure and no further violence has been reported. Prime Minister Orders Accountability In response, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, held an emergency meeting with senior military officials. He ordered that all individuals involved in the attack be held accountable in accordance with Iraqi law. Al-Sudani emphasized the state's responsibility to protect its institutions and called for a thorough and professional investigation, warning that 'no one is above the law' and that unauthorized armed actions will not be tolerated. PMF Leadership Disavows Incident The PMF Commission issued a statement Sunday evening pledging full cooperation with authorities. It reaffirmed that the PMF operates under the command of the Iraqi state and that any individual or group acting outside established procedures would face consequences. 'The PMF exists to serve the nation and act in coordination with official security institutions,' the statement read. 'Any individual or group that steps outside this framework is violating the law and the principles of the PMF.'
