BAGHDAD, Jan 25, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Iraq's main Shiite alliance, which holds a parliamentary majority, endorsed on Saturday former prime minister and powerbroker Nouri al-Maliki as the country's next premier. The statement spoke of Maliki's "political and administrative experience and his record in running the state". Since the invasion and by convention in Iraq, a Shiite Muslim holds the powerful post of prime minister, a Sunni is parliament speaker, and the largely ceremonial presidency goes to a Kurd. After Iraq's November general election, the Coordination Framework, which includes Maliki, formed the majority bloc. Soon after, it held heated talks to choose the next prime minister, along with other discussions with Sunni and Kurdish parties regarding other posts.
