Middle east

After a series of government dismissals, fears of the return of the political crisis in Iraq


Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani’s decision to cancel several appointments of senior officials – appointed by his predecessor Mustafa al-Kadhimi – has raised fears that Iraq may enter a new political crisis in light of the worsening economic crisis, especially after the Council of Ministers endorsed the dismissals. Among those sacked were intelligence chief Raed Jawahi and the head of the National Security Agency Hamed al-Shatri, while Maj. Gen. Talib Shajati, the head of the Counter-Terrorism Agency, was appointed intelligence chief, according to reports circulated (Thursday).

New doubts

According to the London-based Middle East newspaper, Al Sudani defended his decision, asserting that “the decision of the Federal Court is binding and in force by the government.” The newly appointed Prime Minister also admitted that the dismissals might raise some doubts, but he reassured Iraqis that they do not involve a policy of exclusion.

Al Sudani canceled several appointments made by al-Kadhimi after the October 2012 elections, citing the former government’s “temporary” status. Al-Sudani said that according to the Supreme Court, the interim government does not have the right to make such high-level appointments.

The newspaper added that based on the Federal Supreme Court’s ruling and the ministerial program, the Council of Ministers agreed to cancel all executive orders issued by the previous government regarding the appointment of heads of agencies who are not affiliated with a ministry, special positions, general directors, those in their positions, and those who receive equivalent salaries as of October 8th, 2021.

Recovery of looted funds

The London-based newspaper confirmed that Al Sudani had met with the United Nations Special Representative for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert. During the meeting, Al-Sudani urged the international community to support Iraq in recovering its looted money.

For her part, Hennis-Plasschaert offered assistance through United Nations programs to provide training and logistical support to government efforts to combat and reduce corruption.

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