The Bina bloc, led by Iran-backed militia leader Hadi al-Amiri, had nominated Basra Governor Asaad al-Edani to be the next prime minister following weeks of political deadlock. He said that because the constitution does not give him the right to reject nominees for the premiership, he was ready to quit. Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi resigned last month as the protests continued but has remained in office in a caretaker capacity. Infighting between political parties clinging to power has fueled the crisis and threatens to cause more unrest as protesters lose patience over the deadlock. The most powerful post, that of prime minister, is held by a Shi’ite Arab, the speaker of parliament by a Sunni Arab, and the presidency by a Kurd.

Source: National Post December 26, 2019 15:11 UTC