AL-MALIKI GETS IRAN’S BLESSINGS DURING VISIT

Iran on October 18 gave its clearest nod of support to Iraq’s prime minister as he seeks to line up backing from key neighbors in his bid to remain in office after a more than seven-month political limbo in Baghdad.

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August 16, 2022

Iran on October 18 gave its clearest nod of support to Iraq’s prime minister as he seeks to line up backing from key neighbors in his bid to remain in office after a more than seven-month political limbo in Baghdad. Iran plays a critical role in Iraqi affairs and the Shiite-led coalition of Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki, who is making his first visit to Tehran since Iraq’s indecisive March elections. Iran has the power to sway Al-Maliki’s political fortunes through its deep ties to Iraq’s major Shiite factions, which have dominated government offices and security forces since the US-led invasion toppled Iran’s arch foe Saddam Hussein in 2003. Al-Maliki’s coalition is close to securing enough allies for a majority in Parliament despite finishing second in March elections behind a Sunni-backed bloc. But Al-Maliki is also busy sending out feelers around the region to weigh his support.