Latest news with #ShiiteCoordinationFramework
Shafaq News
a day ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
PM al-Sudani navigates Syria relations despite domestic tensions
Shafaq News – Baghdad Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani is pursuing a cautious diplomatic strategy following the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad last winter, engaging with Syria's transitional leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, despite tensions within Iraq's ruling Shiite Coordination Framework. According to the British website Amwaj, several Iran-backed Shiite factions in Baghdad have voiced concerns about the growing influence of Sunni Islamist parties under al-Sharaa. Still, al-Sudani is pressing ahead, aligning with Gulf and Turkish initiatives to foster regional reconciliation. Analysts interpret al-Sudani's outreach as an attempt to elevate Iraq's diplomatic profile by balancing Gulf, Iranian, and Turkish interests. Meanwhile, Tehran appears willing to maintain a pragmatic relationship with al-Sharaa to preserve its regional foothold, indirectly giving al-Sudani more flexibility at home and abroad in a shifting and unpredictable landscape.
Shafaq News
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq delays crisis talks amid Iran–Israel uncertainty
Shafaq News/ A planned high-level meeting between Iraq's Shiite Coordination Framework* (CF) and the State Administration Coalition** (SAC) has been postponed indefinitely due to regional instability and lack of quorum, a political source revealed on Tuesday. The meeting, originally scheduled for Sunday, was set to address the fallout from the Iran–Israel war and formulate a unified position amid heightened geopolitical tensions. However, the source told Shafaq News that the absence of several senior CF leaders and the failure to meet quorum contributed to the delay. 'The lack of clarity in international positions regarding the Iran–Israel conflict, coupled with differing views among Iraqi factions and worsening regional volatility, made it impossible to hold the meeting as planned,' the source said. He confirmed that no new date has been set, noting that future discussions depend on whether the military confrontation between Tehran and Tel Aviv escalates further or a resolution is reached. The source warned that the ongoing Iran–Israel conflict continues to pose direct risks to Iraq, given its geographic and political proximity to the escalating hostilities. 'If the confrontation continues, it will inevitably impact the region as a whole—and Iraq in particular,' he said. The postponed meeting was expected to bring together Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and key figures from across Iraq's ruling political spectrum. The agenda was to include discussions on recent US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, efforts to unify Iraq's diplomatic stance, and strategies to shield the country from becoming entangled in the broader conflict. 'This session was intended to determine Iraq's next steps and preventative measures,' the source said. 'But until there is clarity in the regional scene, political calibration inside Iraq will remain on hold.'
Shafaq News
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq to hold high-level meeting over US attack on Iran
Shafaq News/ Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is scheduled to meet on Sunday with senior officials to address today's US strikes on Iran, a source revealed to Shafaq News. The meeting, planned with leaders of the Shiite Coordination Framework (CF) and the State Administration Coalition (SAC)—an alliance of major Shiite, Sunni, and Kurdish parties—follows a wave of American airstrikes on nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, which President Donald Trump described as 'precise and successful.' According to the source, the talks will focus on unifying Iraq's position in response to the unfolding developments and exploring diplomatic channels to help contain the crisis. 'Baghdad is working to align its diplomatic stance with regional partners while calling on the United Nations Security Council to play a more active role in efforts to halt the escalation.' Discussions are also expected to cover the broader ramifications of the Iran-Israel confrontation, particularly given the direct US military involvement. The agenda will additionally include measures to protect Iraq from the fallout of any expanding confrontation.
Shafaq News
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq's High Court crisis threatens November 2025 elections
Shafaq News/ A judicial crisis is unfolding in Iraq after nine members of the Federal Supreme Court—six full judges and three alternates—submitted collective resignations, citing political pressure. While these resignations have not yet been formally received by Chief Justice Jassim al-Amiri, the move has triggered political tremors and widespread concern about the fate of Iraq's upcoming elections. A Threat To Electoral Legitimacy The Federal Supreme Court plays a pivotal role in Iraq's electoral process, with sole authority to certify parliamentary election results. The court's paralysis due to mass resignations could derail the November 11, 2025, vote, extending the term of the current government and plunging the country into constitutional uncertainty. Political analyst Aed al-Hilali told Shafaq News the resignations may be linked to issues such as the Kurdistan Region's budget or the legal dispute over the Khor Abdullah maritime agreement with Kuwait. "There may also be internal, regional, or international pressure," he said, while ruling out any connection to Iraq's Election Law. An informed source told Shafaq News that the resignations reflect growing frustration with the management style of Chief Justice al-Amiri. The source warned that without swift resolution, the crisis could delay the elections indefinitely. A Fragile Democratic Framework Khaled Walid, spokesperson for the Nazil Akhudh Haqqi Movement (Going To Take My Right), said the resignations highlight long-standing political interference in the judiciary. He pointed to a recent letter from the chief justice to the Speaker of Parliament, requesting a meeting of national leaders—a request that was declined in the name of judicial independence. "The resignation of six primary and three alternate judges is unprecedented," Walid told Shafaq News. "It should prompt political parties to end their meddling, especially amid heightened regional tensions." He urged Iraq's executive, legislative, and judicial institutions to identify and expose the forces destabilizing the judiciary before making new appointments or pushing for reversals. MP Mohammed Anouz, a member of the Legal Committee, described the resignations as "a dangerous indicator" of institutional fragility. "This shows a lack of constitutional adherence and undermines democratic mechanisms within state institutions," he said. Anouz added, "Whether it's Khor Abdullah or Kurdistan salaries, these are merely pretexts. The root problem is systemic. Unless we address it courageously and comprehensively, this crisis will persist." Why The Court Matters Since Iraq's 2021 elections, the Federal Supreme Court has become a critical arbiter of electoral legitimacy. It dismissed early challenges from the Shiite Coordination Framework and upheld the election results, allowing government formation after a prolonged deadlock. One of its most consequential decisions came in 2010, when the court interpreted the term "largest bloc" to mean the coalition formed after the elections, not the one that won the most seats. This paved the way for Nouri al-Maliki to form a government, bypassing former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi. The court has also ruled on the legality of electing the president and removed prominent figures such as former Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi and former Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari from office. "The Federal Supreme Court is the only authority empowered to ratify parliamentary election results," said Imad Jameel, head of the media team at the Independent High Electoral Commission. "If these resignations are accepted, the electoral process will be directly affected." Hazem al-Rudaini, head of the Strategic Center for Human Rights in Iraq, echoed that concern. "Approving these resignations would derail the electoral process," he warned. With the November 2025 vote fast approaching, the political standoff at the top of Iraq's judiciary has injected fresh uncertainty into an already fragile system. If the court fails to regain full capacity, the country could face a legal vacuum—one that threatens to stall democratic transition and prolong the tenure of the current government.
Shafaq News
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq's ruling CF calls mass protests against Israeli strikes on Iran
Shafaq News/ Iraq's ruling Shiite Coordination Framework (CF), has called for public demonstrations in solidarity with Iran and in condemnation of Israel's ongoing military operations, following high-level emergency talks held Sunday in Baghdad. The meeting, attended by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and senior CF leaders, concluded with a firm statement denouncing the killing of Iranian military leaders and scientists, labeling the strikes 'blatant violations' of international norms. 'We urge the Iraqi people to stage mass demonstrations rejecting the aggression and affirming their support for the steadfastness of the Islamic Republic.' The CF's statement came in response to an unprecedented wave of Israeli airstrikes that began on June 13, targeting Iranian military, nuclear, and intelligence installations. These strikes, which reportedly killed several senior IRGC officials and nuclear scientists, were followed by retaliatory missile and drone barrages from Iran under the operation True Promise 3. Tehran's response marked one of the most serious escalations between the two foes in decades, with concerns mounting across the region about further destabilization. The CF also condemned the reported use of Iraqi airspace in the conflict, calling it a breach of Iraq's sovereignty. The bloc demanded that Iraq not be turned into a 'launchpad for regional wars,' and reiterated Baghdad's role as a potential mediator rather than a battlefield. The CF urged the broader international community, especially regional powers, to intervene diplomatically to stop Israeli operations and prevent further escalation. It also warned that failure to restrain Israel could plunge the Middle East into a wider war.
