“Misbaha for a Kleptocracy”: Why Iraq Chose an Oligarch and What It Means for the U.S. and Iran

In the quiet backwater of Iraq’s political swamp, a rare surge has occurred: a new prime minister has been appointed.

The Paradox of the “Easy Victory”: How an Outsider Outmaneuvered the Heavyweights

The appointment of 40-year-old Ali al-Zaidi on April 27, 2026, came as a shock to Iraq. Until that moment, his name had appeared on a general list of 29 candidates, but not as a frontrunner. The main contenders were outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and veteran Nuri al-Maliki, whose return had been a source of allergy for Washington.

However, as Shafaq News writes, “the level of cross-communal support that al-Zaidi received is rarely seen at this stage of any political process in Iraq.” Sunni blocs, including the Al-Azm alliance and the Taqaddum party of former speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi, quickly expressed their “full support.” Al-Halbousi himself stated on social media platform X: “We hope for the formation of a strong government capable of addressing problems and strengthening Iraq’s ties with Arab and Islamic countries.”

Behind this apparent consensus lies a troubling reality: al-Zaidi is a man with no political experience but an extensive business portfolio. According to member of the Reconstruction and Development coalition, Qusay Mahbouba, the situation is paradoxical: “Ali al-Zaidi is either a bridge for others, or he is turning them into a bridge for himself.” He proved to be the ideal candidate precisely because he represents none of the warring factions—his authority is based on a “lack of political influence,” rather than on having any.

Business, Blood, and........

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