Dulaim tribal leader: Sunnis will ‘cut relationship with Baghdad’ if Maliki returns

BAGHDAD — Ali Hatem Suleiman, leader of the Dulaim tribe, ruled out the possibility of Nouri al-Maliki returning as prime minister, warning that if such a scenario materializes, the Sunni community would “cut its relationship with Baghdad.”

In an interview with Al-Rasheed TV, Suleiman said Iraq is heading toward significant political transformation. “Iraq is facing real change, not cosmetic change as some politicians and analysts portray it,” he said. “We no longer need loud voices, but calm. I believe the Sunni component needs a new project to rescue it from 20 difficult years.”

“I believe Maliki will not return to the premiership,” he added. “If he does return, we will not deal with Baghdad.”

Suleiman questioned the lack of alternative leadership within Shiite political ranks. “I sometimes ask myself: Do the Shiite, national, and tribal forces not have anyone other than this person?” he said.

He pointed to internal tensions within the Coordination Framework, claiming “there are problems inside the framework.”

Expressing concern about potential U.S. measures, Suleiman asked: “Are you capable of confronting American sanctions or its power? How then would you handle sanctions?”

He warned that if Sunnis perceive renewed threats to their areas, they would refuse to recognize the political system. “If we see danger against us or our regions again, we will not comply with or recognize this government or the political system,” he said, adding that they would pursue a boycott “that would force the world to recognize it.”

The Coordination Framework nominated Maliki following the 2025 elections. President Donald Trump warned that Washington could halt support for Iraq if Maliki returns to office.

Maliki served as prime minister from 2006 to 2014. He stepped down under intense domestic and international pressure after the fall of Mosul to the Islamic State group.