ARIEL: "People who hold IQD should be ready to get things moving in whatever manner suits you best"

 

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AL-MALIKI DISCUSSES WITH THE US CHARGÉ D’AFFAIRES THE FORMATION OF THE REMAINING PRESIDENCIES AND THE PATH OF THE NEW GOVERNMENT

 AL-MALIKI DISCUSSES WITH THE US CHARGÉ D’AFFAIRES THE FORMATION OF THE REMAINING PRESIDENCIES AND THE PATH OF THE NEW GOVERNMENT.

(In other words, Maliki is trying to get the US on his side by his promises, all of which he will never keep later. He has done this before in his first two terms.)

On Friday (January 30, 2026), Nouri al-Maliki, head of the State of Law Coalition, received Joshua Harris, the Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Iraq, and discussed with him ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, in addition to discussing the ongoing dialogues between political forces regarding the completion of the formation of the remaining presidencies.

A statement from al-Maliki’s office, received by “Baghdad Today”, stated that the meeting addressed “the vision of the coordination framework for the next government’s path,” and the file of ongoing dialogues between political forces, particularly regarding the selection of the President of the Republic and the Speaker of Parliament, and establishing the features of the government program for the next stage, in line with the requirements of political, security and economic stability in the country.

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This meeting comes at a time when the Iraqi political scene is witnessing intense activity between the forces of the Coordination Framework and its allies, and the Kurdish and Sunni forces, to resolve the issue of the presidencies and arrange the balance of power within the parliament and the government, in parallel with increasing talk of direct American pressure in the process of forming the new government.

The meeting also intersects with the positions of political forces, including the Iraqi Communist Party, which warned against “blatant foreign interference” in the government formation process and linked this to the continuation of the quota system approach, which puts influential forces, including the State of Law Coalition, before a test of balancing openness to dialogue with Washington on the one hand, and maintaining the discourse of protecting sovereignty and independent national decision on the other.

MARKZ: Iraq Presidential Election Countdown: 48 Hours to Decide Amid Maliki vs. Sudani Tensions

 Introduction: Iraq at a Crossroads

According to MarkZ via PDK, Iraq is in a political frenzy as leaders scramble to finalize the Presidential election.

The situation is tense:

• US pressure: Risk of sanctions if decisions favor Iran.

• Iran influence: Maliki’s pro-Iran stance complicates matters.

• Internal gridlock: Leaders feel “between a rock and a hard place.”

The Iraqi Central Bank (CBI) has clarified that its currency is backed by assets and a basket of foreign currencies, operating independently of government politics—a critical point in today’s election drama.

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Why No Vote Happened Yet

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MarkZ reports:

“No vote in Iraq yesterday for President…They sat down and had a big meeting, then this morning gave themselves a new deadline…even though the constitution already has deadlines…they set a new one for this Thursday.”

• The delay reflects political maneuvering between Maliki supporters and US-aligned factions.

• Sudani has traveled to Kurdistan to consult with Barzani, seeking resolution on the Presidential seat.

Once the President is seated, candidates for Prime Minister will be announced. Both Sudani and Maliki remain contenders, and back-and-forth discussions continue.

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Sudani vs Maliki: The Political Tug-of-War

1. Sudani’s Approach

• Seen as a more US-friendly candidate.

• Engaging with Kurdish leadership to secure consensus.

• Advocates for completing the election cycle without triggering sanctions.

2. Maliki’s Influence

• Strong ties to Iranian interests.

• Still a viable contender for some Shiite blocs.

• Could prolong the election and risk US economic pressure if chosen.

Political Implications

• Decision must balance internal stability, US relations, and Iranian influence.

• Delay in the presidential vote may impact currency reform and Iraqi financial policies, including the dinara RV/re-denomination plans.

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Central Bank Independence

The CBI remains separate from political decisions:

• Currency backed by  assets & basket of foreign currencies.

• Prepared for currency reform regardless of political deadlock.

• This independence ensures that financial stability is maintained amid election uncertainty.

Featured Snippet Optimized:
Why was the Iraqi Presidential vote delayed?
The vote was postponed due to political negotiations between factions supporting Maliki and Sudani. Leaders set a new internal deadline for Thursday, despite constitutional deadlines, while ensuring US-Iran balance is respected.

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Q&A Section

Q: What is the new deadline for Iraq’s Presidential election?

A: Leaders set a new internal deadline of Thursday, despite existing constitutional deadlines.

Q: Who are the main contenders for Prime Minister?

A: Nouri al-Maliki and Mohammed Shia al-Sudani remain primary candidates.

Q: Why is the Central Bank important in this process?

A: The CBI operates independently of the government, backs currency with assets and foreign currencies, and safeguards Iraq’s financial stability.

Q: How does US-Iran influence affect the election?

A: Choosing Maliki could trigger US sanctions, while bypassing him could anger Iran, leaving leaders politically trapped.

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Key Takeaways

• Iraq faces a 48-hour decision window for the Presidential election.

• Sudani vs Maliki is the core conflict, balancing US-Iran influence.

• The Central Bank remains a stabilizing force, keeping currency and financial reforms on track.

• Political delays could impact Iraq’s currency projects and international credibility.

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MarkZ  

 [via PDK]  In Iraq: “48 Hours to decide Presidential Election”  

There is a mad scramble going on inside Iraq. I was told leaders are desperate to talk with the US and avoid sanctions. What I am being told is they feel like they are in between a rock and a hard place. They feel like with Makiki…if they don’t go with him they are bowing to the US…but If they do go with him…they are bowing to Iran.

 The CBI has been very clear...that...They back their money with assets and a basket of other currencies …and is separate from the government.

Question:  ...No vote in Iraq yesterday for President why? 

 MarkZ:  “Deadline for the Presidential election revealed”  they sat down and had a big meeting yesterday then first thing this morning they came up with some BS. They gave themselves a deadline…even though they already had deadlines that were written in their constitution…but they gave themselves a new deadline of this Thursday. Lots of meetings still going on. Sudani has gone to Kurdistan to talk to Barzani about getting this thing finished. Once they finish seating the President they will announce candidates for Prime Minister. Sudani is still in the running. Many still feel that Maliki could be the one…lots of back and forth going on. They actually were working on HCL in some of the meetings today.