Why the Trump administration is refusing to accept a third term for Iraq’s Nouri al-Maliki

(Rend Al-Rahim and Victoria Taylor – Atlantic Council) Last week, US President Donald Trump threatened diplomatic and economic consequences for Iraq if Nouri al-Maliki becomes the country’s next prime minister. US opposition to a third Maliki premiership is based on his long-standing ties to Iran and the sectarian policies he enacted during his time in power from 2006 to 2014. Trump’s intervention into Iraq’s government formation process is a reminder that a stable Iraq that can push back against Iranian influence is in the US interest.

Why the Trump administration is refusing to accept a third term for Iraq’s Nouri al-Maliki – Atlantic Council