Wednesday, February 4, 2026
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.
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.
Why No Vote Happened Yet
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
THE COORDINATING FRAMEWORK IS CONSIDERING WITHDRAWING AL-MALIKI’S NOMINATION UNDER PRESSURE FROM WASHINGTON
THE COORDINATING FRAMEWORK IS CONSIDERING WITHDRAWING AL-MALIKI’S NOMINATION UNDER PRESSURE FROM WASHINGTON.
An Iraqi parliamentary source stated that the coordination framework is studying options for dealing with Washington’s rejection of Nouri al-Maliki’s nomination, including the possibility of his withdrawal .
The US-based Al-Hurra channel, in a report followed by Al-Sa’a network, quoted the parliamentary source as saying that “there are two scenarios being discussed within the coalition: the first is to proceed with nominating Maliki and leave the final decision to the parliamentary blocs, and the second is for Maliki to withdraw in exchange for being given the opportunity to name an alternative figu re .”
He added that “the framework has until Sunday, which is the likely date for holding a parliamentary session to elect a new president of the republic, who in turn will task the candidate of the largest bloc, which is the coordinating framework, with forming the government .”
He noted that “the framework formed a committee to negotiate with influential parties on the American side, while emphasizing the need to reduce escalation and control media statements until the results of those contacts become clear .
DINAR REVALUATION NEWS ANALYSIS : Trump’s Economic Pressure Cards Against Maliki: Could the Dinar Collapse?
Introduction: The Stakes Are High for Iraq
A recent report by Al-Sharq Economic (Jan 29, 2026) reveals the economic pressure points US President Donald Trump could deploy to “undermine” Nouri al-Maliki’s return as Iraq’s prime minister.
Trump’s message is clear: if Maliki, known for his pro-Iran leanings, assumes power, US aid could be cut, oil revenues restricted, and Iraq’s financial stability challenged — potentially impacting the Iraqi dinar (IQD) and social conditions.
Three Economic Cards Trump Could Play
1. Control Over Iraqi Oil Revenues
Since 2003, the US manages Iraq’s oil revenues via the Federal Reserve.
Oil funds constitute ~90% of Iraq’s state revenue.
A Maliki premiership could prompt the US to restrict access to oil revenue , directly pressuring Baghdad’s finances.
2. Restrict Dollar Transfers
US sanctions on banks for money laundering and terrorism financing have limited Iraq’s dollar access over the past three years.
Such restrictions fuel inflation, particularly because Iraq imports ~90% of its market needs in foreign currency, including from neighboring Arab states.
3. Indirect Dinar Collapse & Social Strain
Limiting dollars could devalue the IQD, worsening social conditions.
Inflation would spike as essential imports become scarce or more expensive.
Coupled with restricted foreign investment and disrupted banking operations, this could create a domino effect across Iraq’s economy.
Other Leverage Points
Military aid & equipment: >70% of Iraq’s military assets are US-supplied.
US Treasury bond investments: Iraq holds ~$32B, which could face restrictions.
Intermediary banks: Citibank, JPMorgan, and others facilitate Iraqi trade; disruptions here could freeze international transfers.
Analyst Insight: Nabil Al-Azzawi warns that the Coordination Framework must read Trump’s economic signals carefully given Iraq’s fragile political consensus and limited options.
Historical Context: Why Washington Fears Maliki
Maliki’s first premiership shifted economic cooperation away from the US, favoring Iran, Russia, and China in the energy sector.
Weak banking oversight caused dollar leakage, conflicting with US financial priorities.
Dependence on Iranian gas and electricity reduced US leverage, prompting caution today.
Economist Abdul Rahman Al-Sheikhly notes that Maliki’s return could complicate US efforts to sever Baghdad-Tehran ties, potentially destabilizing US influence in Iraq.
Potential Impact on the Oil Market
Iraq is the second-largest OPEC producer, following Saudi Arabia.
Any disruption in oil exports due to Maliki’s rise could tighten the market, affecting Brent crude prices.
While Trump’s threats haven’t yet impacted the oil market, further escalation could absorb existing surplus and create price volatility.
Featured Snippet
How could Trump pressure Iraq if Maliki becomes prime minister?
Trump has three primary economic levers: controlling Iraq’s oil revenues, restricting dollar transfers, and indirectly causing the Iraqi dinar to weaken. These actions could create inflation, disrupt social stability, and limit Iraq’s financial independence.
Q&A: People Also Ask
Q: Will Maliki’s premiership collapse the Iraqi dinar?
A: Potentially, yes. Dollar restrictions and inflationary pressures could devalue the IQD, though the extent depends on US policy responses.
Q: Why does Trump oppose Maliki?
A: Maliki has strong ties to Iran and a history of diverting Iraq’s economic partnerships away from US oversight, threatening Washington’s strategic influence.
Q: Can Iraq operate without US financial support?
A: Not fully. Iraq relies on US-controlled oil revenues, intermediary banks, and military support for economic and security stability.
Q: Could the oil market be affected by Maliki’s return?
A: Yes. Iraq is a top OPEC producer, and any disruption could absorb market surplus, raising global oil prices.
Conclusion: The Dinar, Maliki, and the Bigger Picture
Maliki’s return could trigger economic sanctions, inflation, and social strain.
Trump’s three cards—oil, dollars, dinar pressure—highlight US leverage over Iraq.
Political resolution, Central Bank readiness, and US cooperation are essential before the dinar reinstatement (RV) can proceed safely.
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🔹 Blog: https://dinarevaluation.blogspot.com/
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