Key Takeaways:
- POLITICS: Coordination Framework Defends Decision to Nominate Maliki Despite Internal Divisions; Trump’s Iraq Envoy Sacked; Deadlock Over Presidency Continues – On January 31, the Coordination Framework (CF) defended its decision to nominate former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to a third term, three days after U.S. President Donald Trump voiced strong opposition to the move and called it “a very bad choice.” CF leaders stressed that the prime minister’s selection is “a purely Iraqi matter” and reaffirmed the bloc’s “commitment to its nominee.” There are, however, indications that support for Maliki remains fragile. Senior CF leaders, including Qais al-Khazali, Ammar al-Hakim, and Haider al-Abadi, are reportedly still in favor of replacing him. A spokesperson for Abadi told reporters that the CF statement affirming its commitment to Maliki “was drafted hastily” and that not all CF factions agreed with it. Meanwhile, Maliki defended his nomination in a televised interview, dismissing Trump’s objections as misinformed and downplaying the risk of retaliatory U.S. sanctions. He also signaled openness to cooperation with Syria’s new leadership and said he would step aside only if formally asked by a majority within the CF. On February 1, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein confirmed earlier reports that President Trump’s special envoy for Iraq had been removed from the post, to which he was appointed only a few months earlier, in October. Tom Barrack—Trump’s special envoy for Syria and U.S. ambassador to Turkey—will assume the Iraq portfolio, Hussein said. Barrack’s appointment has reportedly raised concerns among Iraqi Kurdish leaders due to his handling of U.S. policy toward Syria amid fighting between Damascus and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). On February 5, the CF said it had given its members freedom to vote for any presidential candidate should the PUK and KDP fail to agree on a joint nominee. The CF urged both parties to consider its proposals to end the deadlock over the presidency. The move follows unsuccessful CF mediation after parliament again failed to convene a session to elect a new president. KDP officials blamed the impasse on what they described as PUK obstinance. The post is traditionally held by the PUK—a monopoly the KDP wants to break, arguing that the presidency should go to the party with the most seats among Iraqi Kurds. more…
- SECURITY & HUMANITARIAN: Iraqi Authorities Begin Interrogating ISIS Detainees Transferred from Syria; Security Forces Shut Down TV Network – On February 2, the Karkh Investigation Court in Baghdad said it had begun interrogating hundreds of suspected ISIS members recently transferred to Iraq from Syria. The investigations are being conducted “with the participation of several judges specialized in counter-terrorism cases,” the judiciary said, adding that detainee treatment would adhere to “established legal and humanitarian frameworks, in full accordance with national laws and international standards.” Nearly 1,400 ISIS detainees—out of roughly 7,000—had been transferred to Iraq since January 21, as of Monday. Iraqi authorities have contacted nearly a dozen foreign governments whose citizens are among the detainees to arrange their repatriation. On February 4, security forces raided and shut down offices of the NRT network in KDP-dominated Erbil and Duhok, according to network officials. Erbil Governor Omid Khoshnaw said the closure was linked to NRT content containing “offenses to national symbols,” without providing details. Network officials described the move as “political” and said it was carried out without a judicial warrant. The development comes two weeks after NRT owner and New Generation party leader Shaswar Abdulwahid joined PUK leaders in what appeared to be an effort to build a political counterweight to the KDP, potentially including the formation of a regional government excluding it. In other developments, on February 3, Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) said a total of 41,364 people had been released from prisons and detention facilities under amendments to the Amnesty Law passed by parliament in January last year. more…
- ECONOMY & CLIMATE: Increased Rainfall Raises Optimism About Agricultural Prospects in Kurdistan – On February 3, KRG agriculture officials reported that winter rainfall has reached more than three to four times last year’s levels. A spokesperson for the KRG Agriculture Ministry described water-resource conditions as “excellent,” citing rising dam levels and improved groundwater. He said the main dams at Dukan and Darbandikhan have increased reserves by more than half a billion cubic meters, while most small and medium-sized dams have filled and overflowed. In Erbil, rainfall has exceeded 250 millimeters this season, compared to 72 millimeters last year, according to the provincial agriculture department. Sulaymaniyah has received 521 millimeters, up from 209 millimeters last year. The increase is even sharper in the Soran region, an independent administration within Erbil province, where rainfall surpassed 1,011 millimeters—more than a 500% increase from last year’s 200 millimeters. Soran also recorded 430 millimeters of snowfall, compared with only sporadic snowfall last year. In other developments, on February 1, Iraq’s General Customs Authority announced a 25% reduction in import valuation rates used to calculate customs duties, saying the move was intended “to strike a balance between maximizing revenues and facilitating customs procedures.” The decision follows reports last month of declining trade with neighboring countries after Iraq’s new tariff system took effect at the start of the year. Critics have argued the tariff policies are hurting small businesses and low-income consumers
POLITICS: Coordination Framework Defends Decision to Nominate Maliki Despite Internal Divisions; Trump’s Iraq Envoy Sacked; Deadlock Over Presidency Continues
On January 31, the Coordination Framework (CF) defended its decision to nominate former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to a third term in office, three days after U.S. President Donald Trump voiced strong opposition to the nomination and called it “a very bad choice.” In a statement issued after a meeting held at Maliki’s residence, the CF leaders stressed that the selection of a prime minister is “a purely Iraqi matter” in a process that is “guided by national interests, away from external dictates.” The statement reaffirmed the bloc’s “commitment to its nominee, Nouri Kamil al‑Maliki, for the premiership.” There are, however, indications that support for Maliki remains fragile. Some senior CF leaders, namely Qais al-Khazali, Ammar al-Hakim, Ahmed al-Asadi, and Haider al-Abadi all are still in favor of replacing Maliki. A spokesperson for Abadi told reporters on Monday that “our reservation is not about Nouri al‑Maliki as a person, but about the standards of both international and domestic acceptability.” He added that “moving forward with Maliki’s nomination through a simple majority is a gamble with the state—something we have repeatedly warned against.” The spokesperson further explained that the CF statement affirming its commitment to Maliki “was drafted hastily” and that not all CF factions were in agreement about the statement.
On February 1, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein confirmed earlier reports that President Trump’s special envoy for Iraq has been removed from the position for which he was tapped just a few months ago in October. Tom Barrack, Trump’s special envoy for Syria and U.S. ambassador to Turkey will take over the Iraq portfolio at the State Department, Hussein added on Sunday. Barrack’s appointment has reportedly raised concerns among Iraqi Kurdish leaders because of his handling of the U.S. policy toward Syria amid the fighting between Damascus and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). These concerns stem from Barrack’s previous positions toward the SDF, which tended to favor Damascus and practical integration of the SDF in Syrian government institutions. Iraqi Kurdish leaders, reports say, fear that the new envoy might apply the same logic to Iraq, reducing the Kurdistan region’s autonomy in favor of Baghdad whenever a conflict arises. It remains unclear what prompted Savaya’s removal at a critical juncture amid rising tensions between Baghdad and Washington after Trump voiced strong opposition to the nomination of Nouri al-Maliki for a third term in office.
On February 4, Nouri al Maliki gave a televised interview in which he sought to counter some of the objections and concerns surrounding his nomination by the Coordination Framework to be the next prime minister of Iraq. Maliki asserted that Trump’s strongly-worded objection was shaped by misinformation, claiming that “three countries” had influenced Trump’s view. He also suggested that Trump’s strongly-worded social media post may have even been drafted with input from actors inside Iraq. Addressing key concerns at home, Maliki rejected claims that his candidacy could expose Iraq to U.S. economic sanctions. He argued that such warnings were being used as a political tool to pressure him into withdrawing, rather than reflecting any formal U.S. policy or credible threat. Maliki also softened his tone regarding Syrian President Ahmad al Sharaa (last year Maliki called for his arrest). He said Iraq would be prepared to cooperate with the new Syrian leadership, stressing the historical ties between the two societies. At the same time, he noted that future relations would depend on how Damascus manages cross border security, particularly whether militant groups are pushed toward Iraqi territory. Maliki suggested that he would consider stepping aside only if a majority within the Coordination Framework formally requested it, framing the decision as one that must remain grounded in Iraqi constitutional processes rather than external preferences.
On February 5, the Coordination Framework said it has given its member lawmakers the freedom to vote for any presidential candidate they choose should the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) fail to agree on a joint candidate for the presidency. In a statement, CF urged the leading Kurdish parties to consider its proposals for ending the deadlock over the presidential election. The move comes after a delegation of senior CF leaders, including Prime Minister Sudani and Badr leader Hadi al-Amiri, had talks with PUK and KDP leaders in Sulaymaniyah and Erbil that focused on fostering an agreement between the two parties on a joint candidate for the presidency. The visit took place after parliament failed for the second time to hold a session that was scheduled for January 31 to elect a new president – the next critical step towards forming a new government. The CF mediation efforts appear to have failed to break the deadlock, which persisted as of reporting. On Wednesday evening, Masrour Barzani, the Prime Minister of Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) confirmed that his KDP and rival PUK could not agree on a mechanism for selecting a joint presidential candidate. KDP officials have criticized what they described as PUK obstinance in negotiations, noting that PUK leaders have rejected multiple suggestions to end the deadlock, including an offer to trade the presidency for “all other cabinet positions in Baghdad.” The post is traditionally held by the PUK – a monopoly which the KDP wants to break, arguing that the post should belong to the party with the most seats, which is the KDP. The main contenders for the presidency are former Environment Minister Nizar Amedi (PUK) and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein (KDP).
On February 5, Shafaq reported that Prime Minister Sudani has tasked Culture and Tourism Minister Ahmed al-Badrani with running the Ministry of Migration and the Displaced on an acting basis within the caretaker government. Badrani will take over from Interior Minister Abdulamir al-Shmari, who had been briefly placed in charge of the migration portfolio after former Migration Minister Evan Jabro was sworn in as a new member of parliament. Sudani also placed Environment Minister Halo al-Askari in charge of the Higher Education Ministry after former Minister Naeem al-Aboudi was sworn in as a new member of parliament. Additionally, the prime minister placed Justice Minister Khalid Shwani in charge of the Transportation Ministry. Shwani is relieving Finance Minister Tayf Sami who had been briefly assigned to manage that portfolio after the former minister was sworn in as a member of the new parliament.
On February 5, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot visited Baghdad for talks with Iraqi officials, INA reported. The discussions addressed de-escalation in Syria between Damascus and the SDF, the transfer of ISIS detainees to Iraq, the sale of French radars and helicopters to Iraq, the anticipated negotiations between Iran and the U.S., and plans to hold another regional cooperation conference in Baghdad, according to remarks by Barrot and his Iraqi counterpart.
Sources cited in this section include: INA, ISHM archive, Shafaq, al-Aalem al-Jadeed, Ultra Iraq, al-Sumaria, Iraqi PM’s office, Rudaw, al-Mada, Mawazin, Kurdistan24, Peregraf.
SECURITY & HUMANITARIAN: Iraqi Authorities Begin Interrogating ISIS Detainees Transferred from Syria; Security Forces Shut Down TV Network
On January 31, security forces acting on a judicial warrant evicted a unit of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) from a four dunam lot in the Dora area in south Baghdad, which the unit had illegally occupied since 2014, security sources told Shafaq. The unit in question was identified as ‘Saraya al-Bina wal Jihad (PMF 17th brigade), the sources explained. The occupants initially refused the order to vacate the land, prompting security forces to surround the property and forcefully evict the occupants, the sources added. There were no reports of armed clashes or casualties as a result of the altercation.
On February 2, the Karkh Investigation Court in Baghdad said it began interrogating hundreds of suspected ISIS members recently transferred to Iraq from Syria. The investigations are taking place under “the direct supervision of the President of the Supreme Judicial Council, with the participation of several judges specialized in counter‑terrorism cases,” the Iraqi judiciary said in a statement. It affirmed that “the treatment of detainees will adhere to the established legal and humanitarian frameworks, in full accordance with national laws and international standards.” Nearly 1,400 ISIS detainees had been transferred to Iraq since January 21 as of Monday. Iraqi authorities have reached out to nearly a dozen foreign governments who have citizens among the transferred detainees to arrange for their repatriation to their home countries, a member of the Iraqi parliament said on Wednesday.
On February 3, security sources in Baghdad said that unidentified individuals placed an explosive device in a residential area in the Abu Dsheer neighborhood of south Baghdad. The device exploded later without causing any casualties.
On February 3, Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) said that a total of 41,364 people have been released from the country’s prisons and other detention facilities as a result of the Amnesty Law amendments that parliament passed in January last year. The statement indicates that 2,577 people have been released from custody since the last update on the process provided in December. According to the latest SJC statement, a total of 166,283 convicts and suspects ultimately benefit from the amended amnesty program.
On February 4, security forces raided the offices of the NRT network in the KDP-dominated Erbil and Duhok and shut them down, the network’s manager in Erbil, Herish Qadir said. The governor of Erbil, Omid Khoshnaw, said the closure was linked to NRT content that contained “offenses to national symbols,” without offering specifics. Qadir, however, claimed that the move was “political” and the raid and closure were conducted without a judicial warrant. Officials from the KRG Ministry of Culture said they were not aware of an official decision to shut down the network, PUKMedia reported. The news comes two weeks after NRT’s owner and leader of the New Generation party, Shaswar Abdulwahid, joined PUK leaders in an apparent effort to build a political counterweight to the KDP and potentially even forming a regional government that excludes the latter.
Sources cited in this section include: Shafaq, Iraq Observer, ISHM archive, Baghdad Today, al-Sumaria, Peregraf, PUKMedia.
ECONOMY & CLIMATE: Increased Rainfall Raises Optimism About Agricultural Prospects in Kurdistan
On February 1, Iraq’s General Customs Authority announced a 25% reduction in import valuation rates used to calculate customs duties under the ASYCUDA system. In a circular sent to several customs directorates, the Authority said the reduction was intended “to strike a balance between maximizing revenues and facilitating customs procedures.” The move comes a month after reports about a decline in trade movement with neighboring countries as Iraq’s new tariffs system came into effect with the new year. Critics have also argued that the government’s tariff policies are hurting small businesses and low-income consumers.
On February 3, KRG agriculture officials reported that rainfall levels so far this winter have reached more than three to four times those recorded last year. A spokesperson for the KRG Agriculture Ministry described this year’s water‑resource conditions as “excellent,” citing positive expectations for rising dam levels and improved groundwater. He noted that the region’s main dams at Dukan and Darbandikhan have increased their reserves by more than half a billion cubic meters, while most small and medium‑sized dams have filled and overflowed. In the city of Erbil, rainfall has exceeded 250 millimeters this season, compared to just 72 millimeters last year, according to the provincial agriculture department. Sulaymaniyah has received 521 millimeters, up from 209 millimeters last year, local officials said. The increase is even more dramatic in the Soran region—an independent administration within Erbil province—where officials reported more than 1,011 millimeters of rainfall this year, a more than 500% jump from last year’s 200 millimeters. Soran also recorded 430 millimeters of snowfall this year, whereas last year saw only sporadic, insignificant snow.