جواد العطار

Nine key Iraqi ministries remain vacant and are being run by acting officials more than 100 days after the new government won parliamentary confidence. The vacant portfolios include the interior, defense, education, higher education, labor, housing, migration, youth and sports, and culture ministries. The article argues that parliament bears primary responsibility, alongside the government and political parties, because it must approve ministers under Article 76 of the Iraqi Constitution. The delay leaves the government’s program incomplete, weakens parliamentary oversight and political accountability, and risks slowing administrative decisions, long-term policies, development projects, and essential public services.

Iraq’s new government faces a severe financial crisis driven by reduced oil revenues and regional instability, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Despite incomplete formation, the government has begun initiatives to centralize armed authority under the state and pursue anti‑corruption actions, with some factions expressing readiness to surrender weapons and legal measures initiated against corrupt officials. The prime minister seeks to establish a distinctive and non‑renewable governing approach focused on stability or anti‑corruption, requiring meaningful political will to address entrenched problems. The article stresses the urgency of confronting widespread corruption that spans all levels of public administration.

Calls for a technocratic government in Iraq following Nazar Amidi’s election, arguing that political parties have exhausted and misused the concept for two decades. Emphasizes technocrats as an effective crisis‑management tool, citing examples from Greece and Italy. Defines the ideal technocrat as an independent, competent and honest professional, and stresses that successful reform also requires ending political quotas, ensuring ministerial accountability to the prime minister and parliament, and bringing in new qualified figures while abandoning failed political leaders.

Criticism focuses on persistent political disputes in Iraq since 2003 and their impact on governance and public trust. Current crises, including disagreements over selecting key government positions and disputes within political blocs, are described as worsening disconnection between politicians and citizens. Citizens’ frustration has led to protests and civil disobedience, highlighting failures in services and living conditions. The piece argues that politicians neglect essential responsibilities and calls for a return to a governance model that ensures basic services without excessive burdens.

The caretaker government in Iraq is accused of imposing burdensome taxes and fees under the pretext of increasing state revenues, despite having held these measures back until after the elections for political reasons. These policies are described as harmful to citizens, especially amid a weak dinar, and as likely to provoke instability or public unrest. The text argues that genuine revenue enhancement should focus on developing industry, agriculture, and exports while reducing unnecessary spending, urging swift mitigation of the impact on poorer segments of society.

The first session of Iraq’s sixth parliamentary term proceeded smoothly with the election of the speaker and deputies in a single extended session, signaling an unusual level of political alignment. The Coordination Framework submitted its claim as the largest bloc without dispute, and the process unfolded within constitutional timelines. disciplined parliamentary conduct, flexibility in nominations, and the withdrawal of internal dissenters contributed to an efficient outcome. The developments may indicate readiness for a government to form within two months and suggest potential for a more effective legislative term, though questions remain about whether the shift stems from political maturity or external pressures.

The Federal Supreme Court certified Iraq’s election results, prompting the president to convene the new parliament within constitutional timelines. Despite this procedural progress, entrenched political interests and the absence of effective opposition are expected to hinder government formation and legislative oversight. Continuing patterns of partisan control, lack of accountability, and prioritization of narrow interests over national needs threaten the parliament’s ability to address financial and governance crises, raising concerns about deteriorating democratic participation.

Government formation in Iraq faces potential complications despite the emergence of three major blocs capable of forming a strong coalition. Internal disagreements within the Coordination Framework, possible defections by the Reform and Development Coalition, and divisions among the National Political Council and Kurdish blocs increase uncertainty. External US involvement through envoys adds further complexity. The government may form quickly if domestic consensus prevails, but prolonged negotiations could result in a challenging formation process. Any resulting government will confront major economic, security, and environmental challenges and may struggle to maintain stability due to a fragmented political system lacking an effective opposition.

Post‑election alliances in Iraq have re‑created sectarian divisions, forming Shia, Sunni and Kurdish blocs similar to earlier parliaments and undermining prospects for a national project. Power‑sharing traditions and deal‑making are expected to dominate, limiting effective opposition and weakening hopes for reform. The commentary urges abandoning sectarian decision‑making in favor of appointing a strong, competent, broadly supported prime minister to guide Iraq through economic and political instability and prevent renewed unrest.

Iraq’s 2025 parliamentary elections concluded smoothly with no significant complaints or challenges, reinforcing public confidence in the electoral process and demonstrating improved democratic maturity. Voter turnout surpassed 56 percent, and results showed close competition among major blocs, with the Reconstruction and Development list securing the strongest overall performance. The distribution of seats will require coalition-building and concessions to form a stable government capable of addressing national challenges. The winning parties are urged to prioritize public interest, establish a resilient coalition government, and enable a strong parliamentary opposition to support effective governance.

Iraqi voters face a pivotal election that could reshape the political landscape depending on whether they choose new, competent candidates over familiar figures tied to past failures and corruption. Key national challenges include severe water shortages, financial strain caused by low oil prices, and regional security threats. Change is seen as possible through informed voting, particularly with the influence of educated individuals, youth, religious figures, and emerging political forces committed to moving beyond sectarian and tribal loyalties.

Questions Mark Savaya’s appointment as U.S. special envoy to Iraq, drawing parallels to Paul Bremer and framing the move as interference that threatens Iraqi sovereignty. Highlights Donald Trump’s statements on Iraq’s oil wealth as diplomatically inappropriate and warns that political actors engaging secretly with the envoy risk undermining the country’s dignity and future.

Two groups are shaping Iraq’s upcoming parliamentary elections: a growing bloc boycotting the vote due to lost trust, lack of alternatives, and widespread corruption, and a smaller but influential group seeking change supported by political insiders and external actors. The text evaluates potential pathways for change—revolution, coup, civil unrest, or foreign intervention—concluding none offer viable or stable outcomes for Iraq. Expanding electoral participation is presented as the safest and most effective route, emphasizing the need to rebuild hope, present credible alternatives, and elect competent, independent candidates through democratic mechanisms.

Rising political conflict and sectarian rhetoric intensify ahead of Iraqi elections, undermining trust in democratic institutions and confusing voters. Accusations, disqualifications and shifting alliances weaken confidence in the electoral process, while institutional decisions contribute to instability. Citizens are increasingly disillusioned with repeated political maneuvering, risking lower participation unless political actors adopt responsible, transparent and constructive competition.

Questions the credibility of reported plans for a phased U.S. withdrawal from Iraq, arguing that past behavior shows Washington uses pretexts to maintain influence. Notes that American presence since 1990 has shifted forms but continued through sanctions, war and later through the international coalition. Highlights pressure from Iraqi resistance groups and political embarrassment over foreign troop presence. Expresses skepticism that the U.S. intends a genuine withdrawal, suggesting the new plan may be another delaying tactic.

Winners of Iraq’s 2023 provincial elections are described as largely the same ruling parties, with strong results for incumbent governors whose influence and resources may have contributed to their victories. The article highlights concerns over the role of political charisma, family ties and possible misuse of authority in determining outcomes. It argues that the real challenge for winners is to satisfy voters and persuade non‑participants, warning that failure to deliver services and rebuild trust could expand future boycotts and harm Iraq’s democratic process.

Recent unrest in Kirkuk raises concerns about political secrecy, hidden agreements, and widening distrust between citizens and Iraqi political leaders. The commentary argues that key decisions, including those tied to government formation, lack transparency and fuel instability. It urges political actors to prioritize national interests, disclose all agreements publicly, and accept responsibility to prevent further escalation in Kirkuk or elsewhere.

Upcoming provincial council elections in Iraq are expected to replicate the current parliamentary landscape, with the same dominant parties reappearing under different names and independents largely disappearing. The absence of new political forces and the influence of a partisan electoral commission and tailored laws suggest no real change ahead. The continuation of past practices risks repeating cycles of failure, power‑sharing deals and corruption unless parties prioritize national interests over narrow political, sectarian or regional agendas.

Argues that Kuwait’s territorial demands on Iraq are unreasonable and destabilizing, insisting that Iraq should reject agreements made under the former dictatorship and assert its full sovereignty after exiting Chapter VII. Calls on parliament to pass laws preventing any territorial concessions and to reclaim rights through diplomatic and legal channels to protect Iraq’s land for future generations.

Reconstruction in Iraq is portrayed as chaotic, driven by profit-focused investment projects that fail to meet public needs while worsening inequality. High-cost housing, private schools, and private hospitals are inaccessible to most Iraqis, whose average income remains low. The imbalance between elite wealth and widespread poverty is compared to Latin American urban slums. The author argues that the state is responsible for regulating investors, improving public services, and ensuring affordable housing and education to prevent deepening social divides and the erosion of remaining social structures.

Criticism focuses on the dominance of politics over economic priorities in Iraq, arguing that decisions on major development projects should be guided by national interest and technical expertise rather than political agendas. Comparison of the stalled China–Iraq agreement and the proposed Development Road highlights the need to prioritize long-term economic benefits. Emphasis is placed on reducing political interference, improving public understanding, and ensuring that specialists lead assessments of major infrastructure initiatives to protect future generations’ interests.