Trump Warns US Will ‘No Longer Help Iraq’ if Maliki Reassumes PM Role
President Donald Trump has made a bold statement regarding US support for Iraq, indicating that aid will be halted if former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki regains power. This warning raises critical concerns over Iraq’s political future and stability.
– Maliki’s Return: Nouri al-Maliki, known for his ties to Iran, was recently nominated by an alliance of Shia-led parties. His selection has led to the assertion that Iraq would face zero chance of success under his leadership, according to Trump.
– Trump’s Position: On Truth Social, Trump articulated that Maliki would be a very bad choice, citing past chaos during Maliki’s tenure. He pointed out that Iraq descended into poverty and turmoil the last time Maliki was in power.
– Historical Context: Maliki served as Prime Minister from 2006 to 2014, a period marred by sectarian violence. He stepped down after the Islamic State seized significant territories in Iraq.
– Current Political Landscape: Following Maliki’s endorsement by the Shia coalition, the next step usually involves the president nominating him for the role. However, Iraq’s parliament was set to elect a president, a vote that has faced delays due to disagreements over candidates.
– Iran’s Influence: Trump’s concerns resonate with broader US apprehensions regarding the influence of Iranian-linked groups in Iraq. Such factions, closely tied to the Iranian clerical regime, raise alarms about prioritizing Iraq’s interests against those of Iran.
– Secretary of State’s Concerns: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed Trump’s worries during a recent conversation with incumbent Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, emphasizing that an Iran-controlled government cannot prioritize Iraq’s welfare.
– Trump’s Global Interventions: Historically, Trump has broken political precedents by intervening in international elections, supporting right-wing candidates in countries like Poland, Romania, and Honduras. His administration’s military actions, including the apprehension of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, demonstrate a broader pattern of direct involvement in foreign politics.
– Maliki’s Leadership Legacy: Under Maliki’s authority, Iraq’s situation deteriorated significantly, with increasing sectarian violence exacerbating tensions among Kurdish and Sunni groups. This turmoil contributed to the rise of the radical Islamic State, which captured large areas of Iraq by the end of Maliki’s term in 2014.
As the political landscape in Iraq evolves, the prospect of Nouri al-Maliki resuming the prime ministership continues to bring scrutiny and concern from the United States, emphasizing a delicate balance of power in the region. Without US support, Iraq’s chances for stability hang in the balance, underscoring the significance of forthcoming electoral decisions.