Iraq's president appoints Ali al-Zaidi as prime minister-designate

Iraq's president, Nizar Amede, has appointed businessman Ali al-Zaidi as the prime minister-designate, tasking him with forming a new government.

This decision follows the nomination of al-Zaidi by the country's largest parliamentary bloc, the Coordination Framework, a coalition of Shia factions.

Ali al-Zaidi is a political newcomer who has never held a government post before.

He is known as a businessman, banker, and owner of a television channel.

His nomination comes after the withdrawal of previous candidates, including former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.

The withdrawals and al-Zaidi's appointment ended a months-long political deadlock in Iraq.

The Coordination Framework praised Maliki and al-Sudani for their "historic and responsible" decision to step aside.

Al-Zaidi has pledged to focus on making Iraq a balanced country both regionally and internationally.

This development is significant as it reflects the influence of external actors on Iraq's political process.

US President Donald Trump had opposed the return of Maliki, who is closely linked to Iran, threatening to cut all US support to Iraq if Maliki became prime minister again.

The Coordination Framework initially backed Maliki, but Trump's ultimatum reshuffled the political landscape, leading to al-Zaidi's emergence as a compromise candidate.

Iraq has long navigated competing influences from its allies, Iran and the United States.

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