Protest-torn Iraq on Monday faced more political gridlock after prime minister-designate Mohammed Allawi withdrew overnight, accusing lawmakers of obstructing his attempt to form a government. Iraq has been in legal limbo since outgoing premier Adel Abdel Mahdi stepped down in December, as the constitution makes no provisions for such a resignation. But with Allawi out of the picture, Abdel Mahdi backtracked on Monday, saying he would stay on as premier until a new government is formed. “We have already removed Abdel Mahdi and now Allawi,” said Roqiya, a 20-year-old student demonstrating in Baghdad. Tensions soared further after rockets were fired at bases hosting US forces in attacks Washington blamed on Iranian-linked Iraqi Shiite paramilitaries, with further attacks reported in recent weeks.

Source: Punch March 02, 2020 20:03 UTC