Baghdad meeting between Maliki and Khazali centers on Syria, government formation

BAGHDAD — State of Law coalition leader Nouri al-Maliki met with Qais al-Khazali, head of Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, on Tuesday to discuss political and security developments, including the situation in Syria and the ongoing government formation process in Iraq.

The meeting, which comes amid the Syrian government and affiliated armed groups assault on the Kurds in Rojava, addressed both domestic and regional security concerns, according to a statement from Khazali’s office.

Maliki, a leading contender for the post of prime minister, and Khazali reviewed what the statement described as the importance of “preserving internal stability” and “closely monitoring security situation in Syria.” They also emphasized the need to support the armed forces and security agencies.

The two leaders called for “unifying visions and positions” to complete Iraq’s remaining constitutional steps, particularly the selection of a new president and the appointment of a prime minister, within the framework of the country’s legal timeline.

The statement added that both parties affirmed the priority of dialogue among political factions and the need to strengthen cooperation.

The meeting comes amid reports that the Coordination Framework is moving toward nominating Maliki for a third term as prime minister.

Maliki served as premier from 2006 to 2014, securing a second term after the 2010 election before stepping aside in 2014 under intense domestic and international pressure following the collapse of Iraqi army positions and the fall of Mosul to the Islamic State group.

In the Nov. 11, 2025 parliamentary election, al-Sudani’s Reconstruction and Development Coalition won 46 seats, followed by Maliki’s State of Law Coalition with 29, leaving the Coordination Framework to negotiate internally over the nomination of the next prime minister.