Iraq’s governing coalition sidesteps arms issue and warns of fallout from Iran sanctions

Iraq’s ruling political umbrella has warned that US sanctions on Iran could have repercussions for Iraq, yet it avoided the issue of bringing weapons under state control. The State Administration Coalition, which includes Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish forces, met late Saturday at Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s request.

The coalition called for filling nine vacant cabinet positions, including the defense and interior posts, and urged progress on the oil and gas bill. It also emphasized the need to protect Iraq from the effects of US sanctions on “some countries,” an apparent reference to Iran, as the country faces difficult financial conditions. The coalition said Iraq was experiencing circumstances that “cannot tolerate risk.”

Members agreed to begin talks next week with political blocs entitled to the remaining portfolios. They also discussed the draft oil and gas law ahead of its referral to parliament and expressed support for the private sector as a development partner.

The omission of the weapons issue exposed the divisions within the coalition, according to an informed source close to Sunni political forces who spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat. The source said Kurdish and Sunni parties support steps taken by al-Zaidi, but often clash with the Shiite majority when coalition issues come to a vote. Forces within the Shiite Coordination Framework publicly back the prime minister but remain divided over bringing weapons under state control, deputy prime minister positions and leadership of the Popular Mobilization Forces.

The main Shiite disputes include the position of Popular Mobilization Forces chief Faleh al-Fayyad, a leading Coordination Framework member, and the allocation of deputy prime minister posts. Asaib Ahl al-Haq, led by Qais al-Khazali, insists it should receive the Shiite share of one of those positions. The article portrays al-Zaidi as under pressure to complete the cabinet while political forces give less attention to weapons control and financial and administrative corruption.

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cannot tolerate risk