BAGHDAD: The Iraqi parliament on Thursday approved the remaining members of Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi’s cabinet, thereby finalising the government that assumed office five months ago and holds numerous critical positions, according to lawmakers.
Nayef Al-Shammari was appointed defence minister, and Yasir Al-Maliki was appointed interior minister. Eleven portfolios were approved by lawmakers. Since Al-Zaidi’s government assumed office in May, vacant positions had existed.
According to legislators, the nomination for the migration and displacement minister was postponed by Parliament as a result of a disagreement among parties. Lawmakers also authorised the appointment of three deputy prime ministers, including Laith Al-Khazali, a senior leader of the Iran-backed Asaib Ahl Al-Haq movement.
In 2020, the United States designated Asaib Ahl Al-Haq as a foreign terrorist organization and its senior leaders, brothers Qais Al-Khazali and Laith Al-Khazali, as specially designated global terrorists. The group has been accused by the United States of conducting attacks against US and coalition forces in Iraq.
Al-Zaidi’s government program included economic reforms, anti-corruption measures, and initiatives to fortify state institutions. However, it is confronted with substantial obstacles, such as the need to rebuild an economy that has been impacted by regional instability, address endemic corruption, and increase state control over Iran-allied armed groups.
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