Iraq is set to introduce a bill that may cut down the age of marriage to nine for girls and 15 for boys. Right advocates have raised an alarm that the bill introduced in the Iraqi parliament would roll back women's rights in an already patriarchal society and increase the prevalence of underage marriages in the country.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:85,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1842}">Iraq's new bill</h2>

The bill, as per AFP, would allow citizens to choose between religious authorities or the civil judiciary for decisions on family matters.

Critics of the bill argue that the proposed changes could drastically reduce protections in areas such as inheritance, divorce, and child custody.&nbsp;

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Of particular concern is the potential impact on the minimum age for marriage, which is currently set at 18 under the 1959 Personal Status Law. Opponents of the bill worry that it could effectively remove this age restriction, despite denials from lawmakers supporting the changes.

According to UNICEF, 28 per cent of girls in Iraq are already married before they reach 18.&nbsp;

Human Rights Watch (HRW) researcher Sarah Sanbar warned, "Passing this law would show a country moving backwards, not forwards".&nbsp;

Amal Kabashi, from the Iraq Women's Network, expressed similar concerns, stating that the amendment would "provide huge leeway for male dominance over family issues" in an already patriarchal society.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:464,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2221}">Current marriage law in Iraq</h2>

The 1959 Personal Status Law, which shifted family matters from religious to state jurisdiction, is seen as a cornerstone of women's rights in Iraq. It was passed shortly after the fall of the Iraqi monarchy and under it, the age of marriage is 18 for both girls and boys.

The new bill, however, backed by conservative Shiite Muslim deputies, threatens to undermine these protections by reintroducing religious rules into family law, particularly for Shiite and Sunni Muslims. The bill does not mention other religions or sects in Iraq, a country known for its diverse population.

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<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:696,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2453}">Rights groups oppose the bill</h2>

After significant opposition in late July, the bill was temporarily withdrawn, only to re-emerge on August 4 with support from powerful Shiite blocs in parliament.&nbsp;

While it remains unclear whether this latest attempt to change the law will succeed, activists like Kabashi are determined to continue opposing it.

Amnesty International has also voiced strong opposition, with Iraq researcher Razaw Salihy calling for the amendments to be "stopped in their tracks." Salihy warned that the proposed changes would create a "ring of fire around women and children," potentially legalising the marriage of girls as young as nine and jeopardizing their futures.

Supporters of the bill, such as lawmaker Raed al-Maliki, who introduced the bill argue that the objections come from those with a "malicious agenda that seeks to deny a significant portion of the Iraqi population" the right to have "their personal status determined by their beliefs."&nbsp;

However, human rights advocates caution that enshrining religious freedom in law with vague language could strip women and girls of their rights and safety.

The proposed changes have sparked protests, with activists planning further demonstrations in Baghdad to oppose the bill. Rights groups warn that if passed, the law's "vague and undefined language" could "strip women and girls of rights and safety."

(With inputs from agencies)

Iraq is set to introduce a bill that may cut down the age of marriage to nine for girls and 15 for boys. Right advocates have raised an alarm that the bill introduced in the Iraqi parliament would roll back women's rights in an already patriarchal society and increase the prevalence of underage marriages in the country.

Iraq is set to introduce a bill that may cut down the age of marriage to nine for girls and 15 for boys. Right advocates have raised an alarm that the bill introduced in the Iraqi parliament would roll back women's rights in an already patriarchal society and increase the prevalence of underage marriages in the country. Iraq's new bill The bill, as per AFP, would allow citizens to choose between religious authorities or the civil judiciary for decisions on family matters. Critics of the bill argue that the proposed changes could drastically reduce protections in areas such as inheritance, divorce, and child custody. Also read | UK anti-Muslim riots: Two sentenced for violent disorder following tragic knife attack Of particular concern is the potential impact on the minimum age for marriage, which is currently set at 18 under the 1959 Personal Status Law. Opponents of the bill worry that it could effectively remove this age restriction, despite denials from lawmakers supporting the changes. According to UNICEF, 28 per cent of girls in Iraq are already married before they reach 18. Human Rights Watch (HRW) researcher Sarah Sanbar warned, "Passing this law would show a country moving backwards, not forwards". Amal Kabashi, from the Iraq Women's Network, expressed similar concerns, stating that the amendment would "provide huge leeway for male dominance over family issues" in an already patriarchal society. Current marriage law in Iraq The 1959 Personal Status Law, which shifted family matters from religious to state jurisdiction, is seen as a cornerstone of women's rights in Iraq. It was passed shortly after the fall of the Iraqi monarchy and under it, the age of marriage is 18 for both girls and boys. The new bill, however, backed by conservative Shiite Muslim deputies, threatens to undermine these protections by reintroducing religious rules into family law, particularly for Shiite and Sunni Muslims. The bill does not mention other religions or sects in Iraq, a country known for its diverse population. Also read | IS, al Qaeda material found at suspect’s home in foiled terror plot targeting Taylor Swift shows Rights groups oppose the bill After significant opposition in late July, the bill was temporarily withdrawn, only to re-emerge on August 4 with support from powerful Shiite blocs in parliament. While it remains unclear whether this latest attempt to change the law will succeed, activists like Kabashi are determined to continue opposing it. Amnesty International has also voiced strong opposition, with Iraq researcher Razaw Salihy calling for the amendments to be "stopped in their tracks." Salihy warned that the proposed changes would create a "ring of fire around women and children," potentially legalising the marriage of girls as young as nine and jeopardizing their futures. Supporters of the bill, such as lawmaker Raed al-Maliki, who introduced the bill argue that the objections come from those with a "malicious agenda that seeks to deny a significant portion of the Iraqi population" the right to have "their personal status determined by their beliefs." However, human rights advocates caution that enshrining religious freedom in law with vague language could strip women and girls of their rights and safety. The proposed changes have sparked protests, with activists planning further demonstrations in Baghdad to oppose the bill. Rights groups warn that if passed, the law's "vague and undefined language" could "strip women and girls of rights and safety." (With inputs from agencies)

Iraq's new bill may lower marriage age for girls to nine, sparking outcry for women's rights

Kurdish politician Abdul Latif Rashid was elected the new president of Iraq signaling the end to the longest political deadlock in the country’s history since the United States military left.

During the vote which took place on Thursday, 269 lawmakers out of the total 329 took part and the British-educated engineer was able to claim the position after securing a majority.

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In the recent few months, Iraq has seen widespread protests due to the confusion regarding the country’s new premier and as a result, the coalition government had to organise another vote on Thursday. Rashid will now have 15 days to form the government along with the political partners.

According to Al Jazeera, Rashid was the minister of water resources from 2003-2010.

Since March this year, Iraq has been deadlocked when it comes to the formation of the new government. The first round of voting which took place in February and March did not result in majority for any candidate and public support strongly consolidated behind Muqtada al-Sadr.

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The well-known Muslim leader and his party emerged as the ones with the highest number of seats in the Iraqi parliament but failed to win majority. As a result, the opposition was able to form a coalition alliance which eventually came to power through strategic partnerships.

The position of president in Iraq is mainly ceremonial but the biggest responsibility of Rashid will be to invite the nominee from the largest parliamentary bloc to form a government. At present, the system dictates that the president of Iraq is Kurdish while the prime minister is generally Shia.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Kurdish politician Abdul Latif Rashid was elected the new president of Iraq signaling the end to the longest political deadlock in the country’s history since the United States military left.

Kurdish politician Abdul Latif Rashid was elected the new president of Iraq signaling the end to the longest political deadlock in the country’s history since the United States military left. During the vote which took place on Thursday, 269 lawmakers out of the total 329 took part and the British-educated engineer was able to claim the position after securing a majority. Also read | Pak PM Sharif says 'want talks with India', but remains silent on terrorism In the recent few months, Iraq has seen widespread protests due to the confusion regarding the country’s new premier and as a result, the coalition government had to organise another vote on Thursday. Rashid will now have 15 days to form the government along with the political partners. According to Al Jazeera, Rashid was the minister of water resources from 2003-2010. Since March this year, Iraq has been deadlocked when it comes to the formation of the new government. The first round of voting which took place in February and March did not result in majority for any candidate and public support strongly consolidated behind Muqtada al-Sadr. Also read | Putin offers to redirect Nord Stream gas flows through 'hub' in Türkiye The well-known Muslim leader and his party emerged as the ones with the highest number of seats in the Iraqi parliament but failed to win majority. As a result, the opposition was able to form a coalition alliance which eventually came to power through strategic partnerships. The position of president in Iraq is mainly ceremonial but the biggest responsibility of Rashid will be to invite the nominee from the largest parliamentary bloc to form a government. At present, the system dictates that the president of Iraq is Kurdish while the prime minister is generally Shia.

Abdul Latif Rashid elected new president by Iraqi parliament

Thousands of followers of Moqtada al-Sadr held a mass prayer outside the Iraqi parliament in Baghdad on Friday in a show of support for the powerful Shi'ite cleric who has called for Iraq's judiciary to dissolve the&nbsp;parliament by the end of next week.

Supporters of the populist leader have occupied the Iraqi parliament since July after a 10-month political stalemate that followed elections last October. Sadr was the biggest winner but failed to form a government free of Iranian-backed parties.

He withdrew his lawmakers from parliament and is now preventing the chamber from electing a new government and is demanding early elections.

On Wednesday, he said the judiciary must dissolve parliament by the end of next week. If not "the revolutionaries will take another stand", he said without elaborating.

Outside parliament on Friday thousands of Sadr supporters gathered for prayer. Most were dressed in black to mark the Muslim month of Muharram and some wore white capes symbolising burial shrouds and their willingness to die.

"You will not break Iraq as long as Sadr is here," an imam told the crowd from a big red stage set up outside parliament. "There is no going back from this revolution ... and the people will not give up their demands."

In the intense summer heat, men picked their way through the worshippers and sprayed them with cold water. Some carried portraits of Sadr and his father, also a prominent cleric, as well as Iraqi flags.

"We have revolted and there is no going back," said Mohammed Elwan, 40, carrying a portrait of Sadr.

Hamid Hussain, a father of five, said: "I am here to call for an early election and make sure that all the corrupt faces are excluded from the upcoming elections...I became unemployed because of the corrupt parties."

Sadr's opponents also accuse him of corruption. They say his loyalists have run some of Iraq's most corrupt and dysfunctional government departments.

Iran-aligned political groups were expected to hold their own demonstration later on Friday, the latest in a series of protest and counter-protest in recent days which have led to fears of unrest.

Sadr counts millions of Iraqis among his followers and has shown he can still stir up gatherings by hundreds of thousands of supporters, mostly working-class Shi'ite Muslims, if he needs to exert political pressure. 
 
His father Mohammed Sadiq al-Sadr was killed more than 20 years ago for his outspoken opposition to Saddam Hussein. When Saddam was toppled in a U.S.-led invasion in 2003 Sadr began an insurgency against the U.S. troops.

His new foes, however, are fellow Shi'ite leaders and parties mostly aligned with Iran, as Sadr has positioned himself as a nationalist who rejects foreign interference. Those groups, like Sadr, are backed by heavily armed militias, but do not hold the same sway as he does over masses of fanatical followers.

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Thousands of followers of Moqtada al-Sadr held a mass prayer outside the Iraqi parliament in Baghdad on Friday in a show of support for the powerful Shi'ite cleric who has called for Iraq's judiciary to dissolve the parliament by the end of next week.

Thousands of followers of Moqtada al-Sadr held a mass prayer outside the Iraqi parliament in Baghdad on Friday in a show of support for the powerful Shi'ite cleric who has called for Iraq's judiciary to dissolve the parliament by the end of next week. Supporters of the populist leader have occupied the Iraqi parliament since July after a 10-month political stalemate that followed elections last October. Sadr was the biggest winner but failed to form a government free of Iranian-backed parties. He withdrew his lawmakers from parliament and is now preventing the chamber from electing a new government and is demanding early elections. On Wednesday, he said the judiciary must dissolve parliament by the end of next week. If not "the revolutionaries will take another stand", he said without elaborating. Outside parliament on Friday thousands of Sadr supporters gathered for prayer. Most were dressed in black to mark the Muslim month of Muharram and some wore white capes symbolising burial shrouds and their willingness to die. "You will not break Iraq as long as Sadr is here," an imam told the crowd from a big red stage set up outside parliament. "There is no going back from this revolution ... and the people will not give up their demands." In the intense summer heat, men picked their way through the worshippers and sprayed them with cold water. Some carried portraits of Sadr and his father, also a prominent cleric, as well as Iraqi flags. "We have revolted and there is no going back," said Mohammed Elwan, 40, carrying a portrait of Sadr. Hamid Hussain, a father of five, said: "I am here to call for an early election and make sure that all the corrupt faces are excluded from the upcoming elections...I became unemployed because of the corrupt parties." Sadr's opponents also accuse him of corruption. They say his loyalists have run some of Iraq's most corrupt and dysfunctional government departments. Iran-aligned political groups were expected to hold their own demonstration later on Friday, the latest in a series of protest and counter-protest in recent days which have led to fears of unrest. Sadr counts millions of Iraqis among his followers and has shown he can still stir up gatherings by hundreds of thousands of supporters, mostly working-class Shi'ite Muslims, if he needs to exert political pressure. His father Mohammed Sadiq al-Sadr was killed more than 20 years ago for his outspoken opposition to Saddam Hussein. When Saddam was toppled in a U.S.-led invasion in 2003 Sadr began an insurgency against the U.S. troops. His new foes, however, are fellow Shi'ite leaders and parties mostly aligned with Iran, as Sadr has positioned himself as a nationalist who rejects foreign interference. Those groups, like Sadr, are backed by heavily armed militias, but do not hold the same sway as he does over masses of fanatical followers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sadr followers hold mass prayer outside Iraqi parliament in show of force

Iraq remains mired in a political & socio-economic crisis. Protesters have once again breached Baghdad's green zone. They were carrying portraits of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada Al-Sadr.

Iraq Political Crisis: Al-Sadr supporters enter Baghdad's green zone

Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada Al-Sadr breached Iraq’s parliament on Saturday, for the second time this week. Iraqi security forces initially used tear gas and stun grenades to try to repel the protesters.

Iraq Political Crisis: Al-Sadr supporters storm parliament in Baghdad for second time in a week

The Iraqi parliament was breached for the second time in a week as supporters of cleric Moqtada Sadr held demonstrations in protest of the newly formed government. In the elections which were held last year, Al-Sadr’s bloc was the biggest faction in the parliament, but fell short of securing majority and the uncertainty over a stable government was finally resolved with a vote scheduled to elect Mohammed Shia al-Sudani as the Prime Minister. However, the protesters were not happy with the pro-Iran Coordination Framework’s pick and the demonstrations were an immediate result.

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“We came today to remove the corrupt political class and prevent them from holding a parliament session, and to prevent the Framework from forming a government,” a protester told AFP.

&nbsp;“We responded to al-Sadr’s call. We will go to the Green (Zone). No matter the cost.”

Iraq did have a stable government for almost ten months following the elections – the longest period of time since the United States attacked the middle eastern country in 2003. The Al-Sadr faction finally conceded in June giving Coordination Framework alliance the majority.

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According to AFP, the Sadr supporters entered the parliament building inside Baghdad's "Green Zone" and shouted slogans in favour of their leader along with his flags and pictures.

In response, the Iraqi security forces used tear gas canisters to disperse the huge crowd and barriers were used to stop their progress. There was no danger to any of the country’s lawmakers due to the protests as none of them were present inside the parliament building at that point of time.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

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(With inputs from agencies)

The Iraqi parliament was breached for the second time in a week as supporters of cleric Moqtada Sadr held demonstrations in protest of the newly formed government.

The Iraqi parliament was breached for the second time in a week as supporters of cleric Moqtada Sadr held demonstrations in protest of the newly formed government. In the elections which were held last year, Al-Sadr’s bloc was the biggest faction in the parliament, but fell short of securing majority and the uncertainty over a stable government was finally resolved with a vote scheduled to elect Mohammed Shia al-Sudani as the Prime Minister. However, the protesters were not happy with the pro-Iran Coordination Framework’s pick and the demonstrations were an immediate result. Also read | Ahead of Pelosi's Taiwan visit, China to begin drills in Taiwan Strait “We came today to remove the corrupt political class and prevent them from holding a parliament session, and to prevent the Framework from forming a government,” a protester told AFP. “We responded to al-Sadr’s call. We will go to the Green (Zone). No matter the cost.” Iraq did have a stable government for almost ten months following the elections – the longest period of time since the United States attacked the middle eastern country in 2003. The Al-Sadr faction finally conceded in June giving Coordination Framework alliance the majority. Also read | India is a neighbour, we can't choose our neighbours: Pakistan FM to WION According to AFP, the Sadr supporters entered the parliament building inside Baghdad's "Green Zone" and shouted slogans in favour of their leader along with his flags and pictures. In response, the Iraqi security forces used tear gas canisters to disperse the huge crowd and barriers were used to stop their progress. There was no danger to any of the country’s lawmakers due to the protests as none of them were present inside the parliament building at that point of time. WATCH WION LIVE HERE - (With inputs from agencies)

Protesters storm Iraqi parliament for second time in a week amid growing unrest

A pair of rockets hit an Iraqi base hosting US-led coalition and NATO troops, Iraq's military said Tuesday, the third attack on installations hosting foreign forces inside a week.&nbsp;

The rockets slammed into the Besmaya base south of Baghdad late Monday night, a statement by the military said, making no mention of casualties.&nbsp;

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Spanish forces linked to the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group, as well as NATO training forces, are present in Besmaya.&nbsp;

The last week has seen a renewed spike in rockets hitting Iraqi bases hosting foreign forces, with three coalition troops killed on March 11 in a similar attack on the Taji air base, which was hit again on March 14.&nbsp;

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Since late October, there have been 24 rocket attacks on the US embassy in Baghdad or bases where foreign troops are deployed, killing a total of three American military personnel, one British soldier and one Iraqi soldier.

No attacks have been claimed but Washington has blamed Kataeb Hezbollah, a hardline faction in the Hashed al-Shaabi -- a military network incorporated into the Iraqi state.&nbsp;

The US has long insisted Baghdad should do more to reign in such factions and prevent them from targeting American troops and diplomats.

But Washington took a much tougher line in December after a US contractor was killed in a rocket attack, launching retaliatory airstrikes against Kataeb Hezbollah.

The faction's supporters then surrounded and briefly stormed the US embassy. Days later, Washington killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Hashed deputy chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in a drone strike on Baghdad.

Outraged,&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;launched cruise missiles at the largest Iraqi base hosting US troops and the Iraqi parliament voted to oust all foreign forces from the country.&nbsp;

The parliamentary vote has yet to be implemented by a government.&nbsp;

A pair of rockets hit an Iraqi base hosting US-led coalition and NATO troops, Iraq's military said Tuesday, the third attack on installations hosting foreign forces inside a week.

A pair of rockets hit an Iraqi base hosting US-led coalition and NATO troops, Iraq's military said Tuesday, the third attack on installations hosting foreign forces inside a week. The rockets slammed into the Besmaya base south of Baghdad late Monday night, a statement by the military said, making no mention of casualties. Also read: At least 33 rockets target US, UK troops in Iraq Spanish forces linked to the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group, as well as NATO training forces, are present in Besmaya. The last week has seen a renewed spike in rockets hitting Iraqi bases hosting foreign forces, with three coalition troops killed on March 11 in a similar attack on the Taji air base, which was hit again on March 14. Also read: Iran warns Donald Trump after US carried air strikes in Iraq Since late October, there have been 24 rocket attacks on the US embassy in Baghdad or bases where foreign troops are deployed, killing a total of three American military personnel, one British soldier and one Iraqi soldier. No attacks have been claimed but Washington has blamed Kataeb Hezbollah, a hardline faction in the Hashed al-Shaabi -- a military network incorporated into the Iraqi state. The US has long insisted Baghdad should do more to reign in such factions and prevent them from targeting American troops and diplomats. But Washington took a much tougher line in December after a US contractor was killed in a rocket attack, launching retaliatory airstrikes against Kataeb Hezbollah. The faction's supporters then surrounded and briefly stormed the US embassy. Days later, Washington killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Hashed deputy chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in a drone strike on Baghdad. Outraged, Iran launched cruise missiles at the largest Iraqi base hosting US troops and the Iraqi parliament voted to oust all foreign forces from the country. The parliamentary vote has yet to be implemented by a government.

Rockets hit Iraq base hosting US-led coalition: Military

The Iraqi parliament on Sunday passed a motion calling for the expulsion of US troops, in the aftermath of the assassination of Iranian general and the leader of Iraq’s Hezbollah militia by the US outside Baghdad airport on Friday.

The Iraqi parliament on Sunday passed a motion calling for the expulsion of US troops, in the aftermath of the assassination of Iranian general and the leader of Iraq’s Hezbollah militia by the US outside Baghdad airport on Friday. The US-led international coalition fighting the Islamic State has suspended operations against the terrorist group following Iraqi parliament motion. There are an estimated 6,000 US troops based in Iraq, whose primary function had been helping train the Iraqi military in anti-Isis operations, but their presence has become controversial. There is considerable unhappiness in Iraq that Donald Trump authorised the unannounced drone strike on Suleimani and others on Iraqi soil. But few believe the US will be forced to remove its forces. A resolution passed by a special session of parliament said the government should cancel its request for assistance from a US-led coalition, reported news agency Reuters. Parliament resolutions, unlike laws, are non-binding to the government. But this one is likely to be heeded: Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi had earlier called on parliament to end foreign troop presence as soon as possible, the Reuters report stated. "Despite the internal and external difficulties that we might face, it remains best for Iraq on principle and practically," Abdul Mahdi said.

Iraqi parliament passes motion for expulsion of US troops from its soil 

The Iraqi parliament on Monday set May 12 for elections the winner of which will face the daunting tasks of rebuilding Iraq after a three-year war with Islamic State and a battle against entrenched corruption that is eating away at its oil revenue.

Parliament voted in Baghdad to approve the date proposed by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi who is seeking re-election, buoyed by a surge in popularity for successfully leading the war on the militants, with support from a U.S.-led coalition.

Sunni and Kurdish lawmakers had asked for elections to be postponed, to allow the return of hundreds of thousands of displaced people to their homes, but Iraq&#39;s highest court on Sunday ruled that that would run against the constitution.

The May election will decide the prime minister who will lead the country for the next four years, a position reserved to the Shi&#39;ite Arab majority.

The personality of the prime minister will be important for Iraq to attract reconstruction funds at a conference planned for this purpose in Kuwait in February.

Baghdad says at least $100 billion will be needed to rebuild houses, businesses and infrastructure destroyed in the war.

But deep-rooted corruption remains an obstacle to attracting investment: the oil-rich nation is the 10th most corrupt worldwide, according to Transparency International.

&quot;Having Abadi as prime minister would be reassuring for the donors, given his strong views about the need to fight corruption, but he will be required to take stronger action,&quot; said Hisham al-Hashimi, a Baghdad-based analyst.

Two Iran allies

Among other contenders for the top executive job are former prime minister Nuri al-Maliki and Hadi al-Amiri, a former transportation minister who bolstered his clout during the war on Islamic State - both of whom are among Iran&#39;s closest allies in Iraq.

Amiri, the leader of the Badr Organisation, initially formed an electoral alliance with Abadi, but later announced they will be running separately and possibly form an alliance after the elections for the purpose of forming a government.

&quot;Regardless of the identity of the winner, Iran will have leverage,&quot; said Hassan Shaaban, a political commentator and rights activist in Baghdad. &quot;Given the escalation with Washington, it is very important for Iran that Iraq&#39;s leadership understands and preserves its interests.&quot;

U.S. President Donald Trump this month threatened to exit an agreement that curtails Iran&#39;s nuclear program in return for lifting international sanctions, citing violations of the agreement by Tehran.

His administration also considers as a threat Tehran&#39;s support for groups like Lebanon&#39;s Hezbollah, Yemen&#39;s Houthi rebels and some Iraqi paramilitary groups.

Amiri&#39;s Badr Organisation was the largest group making up the Popular Mobilisation Forces, a coalition of paramilitary mainly backed by Iran with a considerable popular base among the Shi&#39;ite Muslim majority but accused by Sunni and Kurdish politicians of abuses including population displacement.

Abadi took over the premiership in 2014 from Maliki, who was widely blamed by Iraqi politicians for the army&#39;s collapse as Islamic State seized a third of Iraq.

Maliki, who holds the ceremonial position of vice-president, remains one of the most influential Shi&#39;ite politicians in his capacity of leader of the Dawa party.

Even though Abadi is a Dawa member, Maliki declined to endorse him, and the competition between them two means that they would need to seek the support of other Shi&#39;ite parties, as well as Sunni and Kurdish groups, to form governing coalitions.

Influential Shi&#39;ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has said he is backing an alliance called &quot;On the Move&quot; (Sa&#39;iroun) focused on fighting graft, formed between some of his supporters, the Iraqi Communist Party and other small secular groups.

Sadr, who has a large following among Iraq&#39;s urban poor, had criticized Abadi for his possible alliance with Amiri, saying it contradicted the prime minister&#39;s stated ambitions to reform the state. No candidate for the premiership has yet emerged from his &quot;On the Move&quot; alliance.

&quot;Whoever emerges as top contender for the premiership, he won&#39;t have enough seats to rule and will have to form understandings with others, with Shi&#39;ite, Sunni and Kurdish groups to have a solid governing base,&quot; said analyst al-Hashimi.

The May election will decide the prime minister who will lead the country for the next four years, a position reserved to the Shi'ite Arab majority.

The Iraqi parliament on Monday set May 12 for elections the winner of which will face the daunting tasks of rebuilding Iraq after a three-year war with Islamic State and a battle against entrenched corruption that is eating away at its oil revenue. Parliament voted in Baghdad to approve the date proposed by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi who is seeking re-election, buoyed by a surge in popularity for successfully leading the war on the militants, with support from a U.S.-led coalition. Sunni and Kurdish lawmakers had asked for elections to be postponed, to allow the return of hundreds of thousands of displaced people to their homes, but Iraq's highest court on Sunday ruled that that would run against the constitution. The May election will decide the prime minister who will lead the country for the next four years, a position reserved to the Shi'ite Arab majority. The personality of the prime minister will be important for Iraq to attract reconstruction funds at a conference planned for this purpose in Kuwait in February. Baghdad says at least $100 billion will be needed to rebuild houses, businesses and infrastructure destroyed in the war. But deep-rooted corruption remains an obstacle to attracting investment: the oil-rich nation is the 10th most corrupt worldwide, according to Transparency International. "Having Abadi as prime minister would be reassuring for the donors, given his strong views about the need to fight corruption, but he will be required to take stronger action," said Hisham al-Hashimi, a Baghdad-based analyst. Two Iran allies Among other contenders for the top executive job are former prime minister Nuri al-Maliki and Hadi al-Amiri, a former transportation minister who bolstered his clout during the war on Islamic State - both of whom are among Iran's closest allies in Iraq. Amiri, the leader of the Badr Organisation, initially formed an electoral alliance with Abadi, but later announced they will be running separately and possibly form an alliance after the elections for the purpose of forming a government. "Regardless of the identity of the winner, Iran will have leverage," said Hassan Shaaban, a political commentator and rights activist in Baghdad. "Given the escalation with Washington, it is very important for Iran that Iraq's leadership understands and preserves its interests." U.S. President Donald Trump this month threatened to exit an agreement that curtails Iran's nuclear program in return for lifting international sanctions, citing violations of the agreement by Tehran. His administration also considers as a threat Tehran's support for groups like Lebanon's Hezbollah, Yemen's Houthi rebels and some Iraqi paramilitary groups. Amiri's Badr Organisation was the largest group making up the Popular Mobilisation Forces, a coalition of paramilitary mainly backed by Iran with a considerable popular base among the Shi'ite Muslim majority but accused by Sunni and Kurdish politicians of abuses including population displacement. Abadi took over the premiership in 2014 from Maliki, who was widely blamed by Iraqi politicians for the army's collapse as Islamic State seized a third of Iraq. Maliki, who holds the ceremonial position of vice-president, remains one of the most influential Shi'ite politicians in his capacity of leader of the Dawa party. Even though Abadi is a Dawa member, Maliki declined to endorse him, and the competition between them two means that they would need to seek the support of other Shi'ite parties, as well as Sunni and Kurdish groups, to form governing coalitions. Influential Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has said he is backing an alliance called "On the Move" (Sa'iroun) focused on fighting graft, formed between some of his supporters, the Iraqi Communist Party and other small secular groups. Sadr, who has a large following among Iraq's urban poor, had criticized Abadi for his possible alliance with Amiri, saying it contradicted the prime minister's stated ambitions to reform the state. No candidate for the premiership has yet emerged from his "On the Move" alliance. "Whoever emerges as top contender for the premiership, he won't have enough seats to rule and will have to form understandings with others, with Shi'ite, Sunni and Kurdish groups to have a solid governing base," said analyst al-Hashimi.

Iraq sets May 12 date for elections to be contested by PM Abadi, Iran allies

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