Iraq Accelerates Efforts to Resolve Armed Factions Issue, Complete Government Formation

Iraq is intensifying efforts to address the presence of armed factions and finalize its government lineup before Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi's upcoming visit to the United States. An Iraqi official source indicated that the agenda for the prime minister's trip, coordinated with Washington, will be determined during the expected visit of US envoy Tom Barrack to Baghdad.

The primary focus of these discussions includes the disarmament of armed factions and the lifting of US objections to certain political groups participating in the government, even those willing to surrender their weapons. Barrack's periodic visits to Baghdad are crucial for coordinating relations and resolving outstanding issues between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government, with oil disputes being a key concern for the US administration.

Regarding the cabinet, which still requires approximately nine ministers, the prime minister is engaged in talks with political forces to fill the remaining positions. The aim is to complete the government before the Washington visit. This matter will also be discussed with Barrack, especially concerning ministerial portfolios designated for political groups with significant parliamentary representation, contingent on the US lifting its veto after these groups disarm.

Disputes with the Kurdistan Region fall into two categories: longstanding constitutional matters unlikely to be resolved soon, and current political disagreements, including oil exports and the region's share of federal ministries. The role of the Popular Mobilization Forces chairman, Falih Al-Fayyadh, is also noted in the context of these ongoing developments.