Barham resignation would bring more chaos to Iraq

Dana Taib Menmy

Dec 27, 2019

Iraq's President Barham Salih delivers a televised speech to people in Baghdad, Iraq October 31, 2019. The Presidency of the Republic of Iraq Office/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. - RC1A7B372D10 — Iraq's President Barham Salih delivers a televised speech, Baghdad, Iraq, Oct. 31, 2019. — Presidency of the Republic of Iraq Office/Handout via REUTERS

SULAIMANIYAH, Iraq — Iraqi President Barham Salih announced Dec. 26 that he was ready to resign. The president has faced pressure from protesters and Iranian-backed Shiite parties to name a new prime minister, but, in a letter to parliamentary speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi, Salih said he would rather resign than nominate Asaad al-Eidani for prime minister.

The Iran-backed al-Binaa Alliance proposed the candidacy of Eidani, the current governor of Basra. According to the Iraqi Constitution, the president must present the prime minister candidate chosen by the largest bloc of parliament for a vote.

Salih left Baghdad for Sulaimaniyah immediately after his announcement.

Two main blocs emerged from Iraq's May 2018 parliamentary elections: al-Binaa Alliance and al-Islah Alliance. Both are Shiite parties with Sunni allies.

Barham resignation would bring more chaos to Iraq

Iraqi President Barham Salih threatened to resign amid the country's failure to form a new government.

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