Sunni Lawmaker with Close Ties to Iran Elected Speaker of Iraqi Parliament
After a year of political gridlock, Iraq’s parliament has elected prominent Sunni lawmaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani as its new speaker, Al Jazeera reports.
The vote, held on Thursday, saw al-Mashhadani secure 182 votes out of 269 legislators present, marking a significant victory for the coalition that includes influential Shia parties, Iran-aligned groups, and the State of Law coalition led by former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
Al-Mashhadani, who previously served as speaker from 2006 to 2009, assumes the role following the abrupt removal of Mohammed al-Halbousi in November 2023. The Federal Supreme Court terminated al-Halbousi’s tenure without explanation, sparking a protracted power struggle.
Under Iraq’s sectarian power-sharing system, the parliament speaker is traditionally a Sunni, while the prime minister is Shia and the president Kurdish. The speaker holds a pivotal position in Iraq’s often fractured political landscape, serving as a key figure in navigating complex issues and maintaining stability.
Al-Mashhadani’s election comes at a critical juncture for Iraq. The country is grappling with various challenges, including rampant corruption, internal divisions, and the fallout from Israel’s recent wars in Gaza and Lebanon. He will also face pressure over controversial legislation, such as a proposed amendment to the country’s personal status law that critics fear could effectively legalize child marriage.
Furthermore, Iraq’s delicate balancing act between Iran and the United States adds another layer of complexity. Iran-aligned militias have engaged in a series of drone attacks targeting US bases in Iraq and Syria in retaliation for Washington’s support for Israel. Meanwhile, Iraq relies heavily on US economic and military support, with US troops still stationed in the country to combat ISIS.
