Intelligence chief put forward as Iraq PM

IRAQ’S intelligence chief has been made the country’s third nominee for prime minister in a month, following the resignation of the last candidate amid pressure from Iran-backed militia groups and political parties.

Mustafa al-kadhimi, who is regarded as a pragmatic operator on good terms with both Tehran and Washington, replaces Adnan al-zurfi, whose candidacy provoked an outcry in the Iraqi parliament.

Mr Kadhimi tweeted shortly after his appointment was announced: “With my mandate to lead the Iraqi government, I pledge to my honorable people to work to form a government that puts the aspirations and demands of Iraqis as the top priority.”

In a resignation letter to Barham Salih, the president of Iraq, Mr Zurfi cited “internal and external reasons” that prevented him from carrying out his duties as premier-designate.

He had presented a government plan focusing on the economy, reconstruction and bringing arms under the control of the state, but Mr Zurfi fell short of producing a cabinet line-up for parliament.

“I offer my apologies first to everyone who put their trust in us,” the letter said.

Mr Zurfi’s hopes of becoming prime minister collapsed after vehement opposition

‘I pledge to form a government that puts the aspirations and demands of Iraqis as the top priority’

from the Iraqi parliament’s

Sunni and Kurdish blocs.

But the main obstacle appears to have been a backlash from Iran-funded political parties and militia groups, who accused him of being a puppet for the United States.

On April 4, eight Iran-backed militia groups issued a joint statement accusing Mr Zurfi of being an “American agent” and threatened MPS if they approved his proposed cabinet.