The New York Times reported on the resignation of Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi and the scenarios of the next phase.
The protests, fueled by political corruption and the government's "violent" handling, put Abdul-Mahdi under heavy pressure to force him to step down.
According to UN estimates and medical sources, at least 400 people were killed in the unrest.
On Saturday, Abdul Mahdi formally submitted his resignation letter and was accepted by parliament on Sunday. The New York Times says the process of forming a new government will start quickly, but it will probably take weeks, if not months, to complete.
Abdel Mahdi and his ministers will remain in a caretaker government until President Barham Saleh, the largest parliamentary bloc, is appointed to appoint a new prime minister, before a majority of lawmakers approve the names he will nominate to take over the portfolios.
| US fears of more bloodshed after Abdul Mahdi resigns (Reuters) |
Laborious process
Historical precedents suggest that choosing a prime minister could be a long and arduous process based on balances between rival political factions, according to the report.
Examples include what happened in 2018, when Iranian officials helped form the current government after a lengthy process that resulted in the appointment of Abdul Mahdi as prime minister, Barham Salih as president, and Mohammed Halbousi as speaker of parliament.
An important question is whether Iran will play the same role this time as well.
Iran's direct involvement in the process of choosing a new government may be a major obstacle given the apparent resentment of Iraqis.
If anything, it is clear that Iraq is a predominantly Shiite country as well as Iran, but that does not mean that the Shiites of the two countries share the same ideas.
The United States, while hoping to see political reforms in Iraq, particularly in the fight against corruption, wanted Abdul Mahdi to remain in office and worried that his resignation could lead to more bloodshed.