The Takeaway: US sees role for 'all parties' in inclusive Iraqi national dialogue
US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Jennifer Gavito says that "we’ll take our cues from Iraq" regarding government formation.
With the continued stalemate in Iraq’s deepening political crisis, the United States is encouraging the country’s leaders to engage in an inclusive, constructive dialogue that involves all key political figures and blocs in an Iraqi-driven process.
“What happens next, whether it's early elections or formation of the government, is for the Iraqis themselves to decide,” US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Iran and Iraq Jennifer Gavito told Al-Monitor in a wide-ranging interview on Wednesday.
Iraq has been in political limbo since its parliamentary elections in October 2021. Candidates loyal to Iraqi populist cleric Muqtada Al Sadr won the most seats, but not enough to form a majority government.
Sadr withdrew his lawmakers from the parliament in June. His rivals in the Coordination Framework of mostly Shiite parties, including some aligned with Iran, are seeking to form a new Iraqi government.
