Iraq Parliament Approves Incomplete Cabinet for PM Al-Jazdi

In a landmark yet fractured session, Iraq's parliament greenlit a partial cabinet for Prime Minister Ali al-Jazdi, leaving major portfolios vacant as factional talks stall. The oath-taking in Baghdad highlights persistent hurdles in forming a unified government. Fourteen ministers received the nod during a vote overseen by Speaker Haibat al-Halbousi, with 266 legislators supporting the slate. High-stakes roles in home affairs and defense were deferred, reflecting the intricate horse-trading among Iraq's ethnic and sectarian groups. Standouts in the approved list include Fuad Hussein continuing as foreign minister, alongside new appointees Mohammed Khudair for oil and Falah al-Sari for finance. These picks aim to steady the ship in vital sectors battered by conflict and corruption. Backed by the Shia-led Coordination Framework, al-Jazdi was tasked by President Nizar Amidi on April 27 to assemble a cabinet within 30 days for a confidence vote—a deadline now strained by discord. The 2003-era muhasasa system, dividing top posts by community—Kurds for president, Sunnis for speaker, Shias for PM—remains a flashpoint, fueling delays that risk economic stagnation. U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in positively, tweeting congratulations and hopes for a secure, prosperous Iraq. He stressed enhanced bilateral relations, painting al-Jazdi's tenure as a gateway to stability and mutual success. With core ministries in limbo, al-Jazdi's government faces an uphill battle to deliver on promises of reform, security, and growth in a nation weary of political paralysis.