Iraq’s leading contender for the position of Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki, criticized what he described as Washington’s direct involvement in the country’s internal matters. President Donald Trump’s recent threat to withdraw all support from Iraq if Maliki assumed office was met with strong opposition from Maliki. He stated that the United States’ interference violated Iraq’s democratic system established after the US-led invasion in 2003.
In response to Trump’s comments on Tuesday, warning against Maliki’s potential appointment, Maliki condemned the characterization of his policies and beliefs as “insane.” Trump cautioned that if Maliki were to be chosen, the United States would cease its assistance to Iraq. Maliki received the backing to become Iraq’s next Prime Minister from the Coordination Framework.
