Iraq Shia bloc reiterates support for al-Maliki despite Trump’s threats
The Coordination Framework said that selecting a PM is an internal constitutional matter.
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Can Trump’s ‘madman theory’ reshape Iran and the Middle East?
![A protester in Baghdad burns a photo of Donald Trump, rejecting the US president’s demand that former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki not return to the premiership. [Screenshot via AP]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/4633743_HD_1080i50_cropped-1769630949.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
![Rubio spoke with al-Sudani as Washington has deployed additional military assets to the Middle East [File: Sam Navarro/Imagn Images via Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-19T234858Z_1106920932_MT1USATODAY28041091_RTRMADP_3_NCAA-FOOTBALL-CFP-NATIONAL-CHAMPIONSHIP-MIAMI-VS-INDIANA-1769418467.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
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What al-Maliki’s return would mean for Iraq and the region
Nouri al-Maliki’s third term as prime minister is likely to escalate sectarian politics in the country.
EXPLAINER
US military moves Navy, Air Force assets to the Middle East: What to know
Trump says US ‘armada’ is heading towards the Gulf, raising fears of a military escalation in the region.
Iraq Shia alliance nominates former PM Nouri al-Maliki as its candidate
Al-Maliki remains potent force despite longstanding claims he fuelled sectarianism and failed to stop ISIL expansion.
US begins transferring ISIL-linked detainees from Syria to Iraq
The US military said up to 7,000 people will be moved from a detention facility in Hasakah, Syria.
EXPLAINER
What do we know about the Kurdish groups in the Middle East?
The Kurds are widely believed to be the largest stateless ethnic group in the world.
EXPLAINER
How will Trump’s new 25% tariff impact Iran’s trading partners?
US president threatens a 25 percent tariff on countries that do business with Iran as he piles pressure on Tehran.
Maduro joins Iraq’s Saddam, Panama’s Noriega as latest leader taken by US
The reported capture of Venezuelan president evokes previous eras when other leaders were seized by US.
EXPLAINER
Did Tony Blair influence trial of UK soldiers accused of killing Iraqi man?
Government files suggest former UK prime minister pressured officials to prevent soldiers being tried in civil courts.
EXPLAINER
How many countries has Trump bombed in 2025?
Venezuela is the latest country to be hit by US strikes as the Trump administration ramps up military interventions.
New Iraqi parliament holds first session, elects speaker
Haybat al-Halbousi, from the Taqaddum (Progress) Party, has been elected as speaker of the new parliament.
