Shiite Power Bloc Picks Nouri al-Maliki as Iraq’s Next Prime Minister

After being nominated as the nation’s next prime minister by a coalition of Shia political blocs that control a majority in parliament, former Iraqi prime minister Nouri al-Maliki is poised to take office again.

Al-Maliki, the head of the Islamic Dawa Party, was chosen as the Shia Coordination Framework’s choice for the position on the basis of his “political and administrative experience and his role in managing the state,” the organization announced on Saturday.

The 75-year-old, a key figure in Iraqi politics, was first appointed prime minister in 2006 as the nation seemed to be collapsing due to a wave of bloodshed sparked by the 2003 invasion spearheaded by the United States.

After ISIL (ISIS) took control of much of the nation in 2014, he resigned, but he has continued to be a significant political figure, heading the State of Law alliance and keeping close links with groups supported by Iran.

The action opens the door for talks to establish a new government that will have to deal with strong-armed factions near Iran, such as Asaib Ahl al-Haq, while dealing with mounting pressure from Washington to dissolve them.

Since the US-led invasion, Al-Maliki has served as Iraq’s only two-term prime minister. Over the years, he has been able to placate Washington and Tehran, turning into a power broker whose support is seen as essential to any governing coalition.

Despite long-standing allegations that he incited sectarian conflict and failed to prevent ISIL from capturing significant portions of the country 10 years ago, he continues to be a powerful figure in Iraqi politics.

After campaigning against the administration of former President Saddam Hussein, the politician spent over 25 years in exile until returning to Iraq following the invasion that overthrew the longtime leader in 2003.

He joined the de-Baathification panel, which prohibited Saddam’s Baath party members from holding public office.