Iraq News Posted by Tishwash at TNT 5-15-2026
TNT:
Tishwash: The US envoy congratulated al-Zaidi: Trump is fully prepared to work with you and your government.
US Special Envoy Tom Barrack congratulated Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi on Thursday on his government winning a vote of confidence in parliament. Barrack said in a statement: "We congratulate Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi on receiving the confidence of parliament and the approval of his government by the Council of Representatives."
He added: "We are encouraged by your new leadership and look forward to working with you to develop an ambitious agenda that aligns with our shared interests: building a sovereign, prosperous, and stable Iraq that lives in peace with its neighbors and provides opportunities and growth for all its citizens in a productive partnership with the United States."
He noted that "President Trump, Secretary Rubio, and the United States are fully prepared to work closely with you and your government to achieve our shared goals of prosperity for the Iraqi people and the defeat of terrorism, which has long been an obstacle to their progress." link
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Tishwash: Al-Zidi's government wins the confidence of the House of Representatives and takes the constitutional oath
The House of Representatives granted confidence to the government of Prime Minister Ali al-Zidi on Thursday during a voting session attended by 270 members of parliament. The Prime Minister and the ministers who were voted on took the constitutional oath, signaling the official start of the new government's duties.
The House of Representatives voted on 14 out of 23 ministries, namely:
14 ministerial portfolios in Ali al-Zaidi's government have gained the confidence of parliament, with the remaining appointments postponed until after Eid al-Adha.
1- Voting unanimously for Faleh Al-Sari as Minister of Finance.
2- Voting by an absolute majority on Basim Muhammad Khudair as Minister of Oil.
3- Voting by an absolute majority for Mohammed Nouri Ahmed as Minister of Industry.
4- Voting by an absolute majority for Ali Saad Wahib as Minister of Electricity.
5- Voting by an absolute majority for Abdul-Hussein Aziz as Minister of Health.
6- Voting by an absolute majority for Sarwa Abdulwahid as Minister of Environment.
7- Voting by an absolute majority for Abdul Rahim Jassim as Minister of Agriculture.
8- Voting by an absolute majority for Mustafa Nizar Jumaa as Minister of Trade.
9- Voting by an absolute majority for Khalid Shawani as Minister of Justice.
10- Voting by an absolute majority on Abdul Karim Abtan as Minister of Education.
11- Voting by an absolute majority to appoint Wahab Salman Mohammed as Minister of Transport.
12- Voting by an absolute majority for Fuad Hussein as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
13- Voting by an absolute majority for Mustafa Jabbar Sand as Minister of Communications.
14- Voting by an absolute majority for Muthanna Ali Mahdi as Minister of Water Resources.
The remaining portfolios are scheduled to be voted on after the Eid al-Adha holiday, and include the ministries of: Interior, Defense, Labor and Social Affairs, Immigration and Displacement, Reconstruction and Housing, Planning, Culture, Education, Youth and Sports, in addition to the deputy prime ministers. link
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Tishwash: Al-Zaydi: Economic reform, arms control, and e-governance are our government's top priorities.
Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi announced his government's priorities on Thursday, while also calling on diplomatic missions to resume their work in Baghdad. The Prime Minister's Media Office stated in a press release received by Mawazin News that "Ali al-Zaidi reviewed the new government's ministerial program, emphasizing its determination to fulfill the aspirations of the Iraqi people, placing the citizen's interest among its top priorities." According to the statement, al-Zaidi said, "The path to reform begins from within by confronting corruption and administrative inefficiency."
He indicated that he would face the challenges based on his belief in the capabilities and patience of the Iraqi people, transforming crises into opportunities and setbacks into milestones in making a difference to enhance services, build robust institutions, and propel Iraq towards e-governance and e-government. Al-Zaidi outlined his steps in "three tracks: first, economic reform and development through economic diversification, genuine investment, and a sound financial and banking system; second, social development, establishing social justice, caring for the most vulnerable groups, protecting children, and empowering women; and third, reforming the security apparatus by monopolizing weapons in the hands of the state, strengthening the capabilities of the security forces, and consolidating their authority." The citizen's trust in democracy."
He noted that "Iraq, with its deep-rooted civilization, human and cultural diversity, and the supreme religious authority it represents, qualifies us to stand and restore the government's standing." He called on all diplomatic missions to "return to their work in Baghdad," and expressed his gratitude to the government of Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani. link
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Tishwash: Al-Zurfi and Zebari in Washington... and discussions about Iraq at the Atlantic Council
Photos published on the sidelines of the events documented the presence of the head of the Alternative Alliance, Adnan al-Zurfi, and the former Iraqi Foreign Minister, Hoshyar Zebari, at the Atlantic Council seminar held in the American capital, Washington, whose discussions focused on the Iraqi issue. National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji is expected to join them, as the Atlantic Council announced his participation in the “Iraq Dialogue 2026”.
Earlier, the Atlantic Council announced a visit to Washington by Iraqi National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji to participate in a major conference entitled “Iraq Dialogue 2026.” Victoria Taylor, a former State Department official who has been in intensive contact with Baghdad recently, said that this occasion is “direct contact between senior Iraqi officials and policymakers in the United States, at a sensitive moment” in the relationship between Baghdad and the US administration. She also announced that participation in the dialogue is open via a registration link.
Victoria Taylor, who now serves as the director of the Iraq Initiative at the Atlantic Council, explained in a post on the X platform, translated by 964 Network , “We are pleased to welcome Qasim al-Araji, the National Security Advisor of the Republic of Iraq, to the Iraq 2026 Dialogue, which will be held in Washington, D.C.”
She added that “his participation reflects the role the conference plays as a high-level platform for direct communication between senior Iraqi officials and policymakers in the United States, at a sensitive moment in bilateral relations.” link