Skip to main content

Iraq's political scene fragmented as time runs out for prime minister designate

An Al-Monitor interview of members of parliament helps explain why Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi's nomination to become prime minister of Iraq hit the shoals.

GettyImages-1204324442.jpg
Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi arrives at parliament ahead of a special session for a confidence vote on Cabinet members, Baghdad, Iraq, March 1, 2020. Allawi, who was designated on Feb. 1 to become prime minister pending parliamentary approval, withdrew his candidacy for the post March 2 after failing to get his Cabinet approved. — Ameer Al Mohammedaw/picture alliance via Getty Images

BAGHDAD — In the months since massive anti-government protests began across Shiite-dominant southern and central Iraq in October, Iraqi politicians have been meeting in small groups in the capital late into the night, hashing out new strategies and alliances.

Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi, who had been designated to become prime minister, put together a list of ministers in late February, voting on which was initially to be held Feb. 27. The vote was postponed several times before he withdrew from forming a government early March 2.

Related Topics

Subscribe for unlimited access

All news, events, memos, reports, and analysis, and access all 10 of our newsletters. Learn more

$14 monthly or $100 annually ($8.33/month)
OR

Continue reading this article for free

All news, events, memos, reports, and analysis, and access all 10 of our newsletters. Learn more.

By signing up, you agree to Al-Monitor’s Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Already have an account? Log in