Nouri al-Maliki

Nouri al-Maliki is a former Prime Minister of Iraq. He is currently newsworthy because he has been nominated by the dominant Shia political bloc, the Coordination Framework, to potentially return to the premiership following recent general elections. This potential comeback is facing significant opposition, primarily from former United States President Donald Trump, who has threatened to end all US support for Iraq if al-Maliki is reinstated. Trump cites al-Maliki's alleged corruption, mismanagement during his previous tenure, and ties to Iran as reasons for his opposition. This has sparked protests in Iraq, with some burning photos of Trump in response to what they perceive as US interference in Iraqi sovereignty. The Iraqi parliament has delayed the presidential vote amid this political turmoil, and the Shia bloc has reiterated its support for al-Maliki, asserting that the selection of a prime minister is an internal matter. Al-Maliki himself has denounced what he calls "blatant American interference."