Iraq’s Political Power Play: Al-Maliki’s Return Threatens Stability and U.S. Interests

In a move that risks deepening Iraq’s political instability and undermining American efforts to foster peace and sovereignty in the region, the dominant Shiite political bloc has nominated former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki as its candidate for premier. Al-Maliki, a polarizing figure known for consolidating power at the expense of Iraq’s Sunni and Kurdish minorities, returns to the spotlight amid unresolved sectarian wounds. Does Recycling Failed Leadership Undermine Iraq’s Future? Al-Maliki first led Iraq from 2006 to 2014, a period marked by severe sectarian strife fostered by his governance style. Despite being the only Iraqi prime minister to secure a...