On October 1, Iraq's parliament voted to approve 11 remaining ministerial posts, completing the cabinet of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi five months after his government took office. Among the positions confirmed were Defense Minister Nayef al-Shammari, Interior Minister Yasir al-Maliki, and the ministers of planning, culture, and higher education and scientific research.
Parliament also approved three deputy prime ministers, including Laith al-Khazali, a senior leader of the Iran-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq movement and brother of its leader, Qais al-Khazali. The United States designated Asaib Ahl al-Haq as a foreign terrorist organization in 2020 and labeled the two brothers "specially designated global terrorists," alleging involvement in attacks including a 2007 incident that killed five U.S. soldiers. In 2019, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned the brothers over their involvement in the killing of protesters in Iraq.
Due to disagreements among parties, parliament postponed a vote on the candidate for minister of migration and refugees.
In a statement after the cabinet was approved, Prime Minister al-Zaidi thanked parliament and called on the deputy prime ministers and ministers to "fulfill their responsibilities with the highest level of commitment, competence and integrity." He said the government was entering a phase of urgent, accelerated work to confront the exceptional economic and security challenges caused by the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, which began on February 28.
Challenges facing Iraq
Iraq is facing a severe liquidity shortage due to the prolonged conflict. Before the war, the country exported about 3.5 million barrels of oil per day through the Strait of Hormuz, generating 90% of government revenue. Al-Zaidi said the war "has placed and continues to place Iraq before extraordinary economic challenges."
To cover essential public spending and government salaries, al-Zaidi, a former banker, devalued the dinar by nearly 15% against the U.S. dollar. He said the incoming government inherited public debt exceeding 208 trillion Iraqi dinars (equivalent to $139 billion at the new exchange rate) when it took office in May, raising questions about the administration of former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Al-Zaidi added that the state needs about 10 trillion dinars ($6.7 billion) per month to pay salaries and essential expenditures.
Prime Minister al-Zaidi pledged to fight corruption, disarm non-state armed groups and strengthen sovereignty by completing the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.
