Iraq Parliament Fills Cabinet Posts, Naming a US-Sanctioned Deputy Prime Minister
Iraq's parliament voted Thursday to appoint ministers to previously vacant Cabinet posts and complete the country's government, including a deputy prime minister who is under US sanctions.
Laith al-Khazali, appointed to that post, is the brother of Qais al-Khazali, leader of the Iran-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq armed faction. Laith al-Khazali was arrested by US forces in 2007 over allegations related to an attack targeting American forces in Karbala in January of that year, which resulted in the deaths of five US soldiers.
He was released from US custody in June 2009. In 2019, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on him, citing his leadership role in Asaib Ahl al-Haq and allegations involving human rights abuses as well as the 2007 attack.
His appointment to a senior government position raises questions about its potential implications for relations between Baghdad and Washington. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi was backed by US President Donald Trump when he took the post and has strong relations with Washington, but he has also sought to maintain relations with Iran.
Past Iraqi governments have also sought to balance relations with Washington and Tehran, but the balancing act has become more difficult since the US and Iran went to war on Feb. 28.
There was no immediate official statement from the US on the appointment.
Republican US Rep. Joe Wilson wrote on X that al Khazali “is a designated terrorist and Iranian puppet whose militia AAH killed Americans and Iraqis.”
“He is no better than ISIS, maybe even worse,” Wilson said. "It is outrageous but sadly not shocking that he has been appointed deputy PM of Iraq.”
The parliament also appointed two other deputy prime ministers, as well as a new interior minister, defense minister, planning minister, minister of higher education and scientific research, and culture minister.
The other Cabinet posts had been appointed five months earlier.
Al-Zaidi said in a statement that with the vacant posts filled, “we are embarking on a phase of accelerated, diligent work” and pledged to "move forward in implementing our government’s priorities and program, and in fulfilling the aspirations of all Iraqis.”
He said the government had worked over the past several months amid complicated domestic and international circumstances, noting that the war in the region had imposed exceptional economic challenges on Iraq, in addition to security challenges.
Al-Zaidi has vowed to fight corruption and strengthen Iraq's sovereignty, both by completing the withdrawal of US forces from the country and by disarming non-state armed groups.
Some of the most powerful factions have said they have no intention of giving up their weapons, although Asaib Ahl al-Haq is one of a handful that have agreed to hand over their arms.
Houthis Launch Attack on Presidential Palace in Yemen’s Aden
At least six explosions struck Thursday near the palace used by Yemen's legitimate government in the port city of Aden, witnesses said. An official said at least two people were killed, and Iran-backed Houthi militants based in northern Yemen quickly claimed responsibility.
It was a rare attack on the palace area, as fighting has escalated between the militia and a Saudi-led coalition in the latest front in the Iran war. The explosions caused panic among residents, who fled the area.
Yemen's Ministry of Information confirmed the safety of Prime Minister Shaya Al-Zindani and ministers, saying they no longer hold permanent meetings inside the palace in anticipation of such attacks.
At least two people were killed and six wounded, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the press. The government said the Houthis attacked with missiles and drones, the Aden-based SABA news agency reported.
A security official said at least two explosions were on top of the hill near the Al-Maashiq Presidential Palace, and two others were near the security gate.
Many of Yemen's government leaders are living in exile, and those in Aden were safe, a government official said. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. A video circulating on social media and analyzed by The Associated Press shows smoke rising from the area where the palace is located.
Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council Dr. Rashad al-Alimi contacted ministers in wake of the attack.
Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council Dr. Rashad al-Alimi contacted ministers in wake of the attack. (SABA)
He asserted that the Houthi attack on the palace is an extension of the militias' approach of targeting airports, oil facilities, and civilian objects in Yemen and Saudi Arabia, threatening regional security and waterways.
He stressed that the state will continue to carry out its constitutional responsibilities with utmost firmness, and that protecting its sovereign facilities and citizens is a non-negotiable responsibility.
He ordered the relevant military and security authorities to take the necessary measures to protect state institutions, counter terrorist threats, and respond appropriately to sources of threat in a manner that ensures the protection of civilians and civilian objects.
In turn, the cabinet affirmed that the attack on the Al-Maashiq Palace reveals the terrorist approach of the Houthis and their persistence in targeting civilians.
It stressed that it will not deter the government from performing its responsibilities and duties toward citizens, and continuing the battle to restore the state and its institutions and end the coup being pursued by the Dawn of Yemen Operation.
