This post originally ran on Juan Cole’s Web page.

The pan-Arab London daily “al-Sharq al-Awsat” [The Middle East] is reporting from a source inside the new Iraqi government that former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki, now one of three largely symbolic vice presidents, is attempting to undermine his successor, Haydar al-Abadi.

Al-Abadi has abolished the office or rank of “general commander of the armed forces” This position was created by al-Maliki and is his baby. [Al-Maliki is said to have arranged for the uniformed military to report directly to the PM]. Al-Abadi also opposes the appointment of Badr Corps militia leader Hadi al-Amiri as minister of the Interior (i.e. head of internal security and intelligence.

An internet support group for al-Maliki is running a smear campaign against al-Abadi, accusing him online of “treason.”

Meanwhile, speculation is increasing that Rafi` al-`Isawi, a Sunni from al-Anbar province and a former cabinet member, may be appointed minister of defense. (I called for a Sunni minister of defense a few weeks ago). Having a Sunni as minister of defense will help to make it look less like a Shiite-ISIL clash or like a Christian-Shiite operation against Sunnis.

 TRUTHDIG’S JOURNALISM REMAINS CLEAR

The storytellers of chaos tried to manipulate the political and media narrative in 2025, but independent journalism exposed what they tried to hide.

When you read Truthdig, you see through the illusion.

Support Independent Journalism.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG
In this Article:
#airstrike#baghdad#barack obama#iraq#iraq war#is#isil#isis#islamic fundamentalism#islamic state#middle east#obama isis#shiite#syria