Iraq parliament fills Cabinet posts, naming a US-sanctioned deputy prime minister

Baghdad (AP) — Iraq's parliament convened Thursday to fill vacant Cabinet positions and finalize the nation's government, including designating a deputy prime minister sanctioned by the United States.

Laith al-Khazali, the chosen deputy prime minister, is the sibling of Qais al-Khazali, who leads the Iran-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia. Al-Khazali was detained by U.S. forces in 2007 on charges tied to an assault against American troops in Karbala in 2007, which resulted in five U.S. soldier fatalities. He was released from U.S. custody in 2009. In 2019, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on him, citing his leadership in Asaib Ahl al-Haq and accusations of human rights violations and the 2007 attack.

Al-Khazali's appointment to a high-ranking government role sparks concerns about its possible effects on the relationship between Baghdad and Washington. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, supported by U.S. President Donald Trump during his tenure, maintains a relationship with both Washington and Tehran, but striking this balance has become increasingly challenging since the U.S. and Iran went to war on February 28.

The parliament also appointed two additional deputy prime ministers, along with new interior, defense, planning, higher education and scientific research, and culture ministers. Al-Zaidi stated that with the vacant posts filled, "we are embarking on a phase of accelerated, diligent work" and pledged to advance the government's priorities and fulfill the aspirations of all Iraqis.

He acknowledged that the government had been grappling with complex domestic and international circumstances, including the economic and security challenges imposed by the regional war.

Al-Zaidi has vowed to combat corruption and bolster Iraq's sovereignty, both by concluding the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country and by disarming non-state armed groups. Some of the most influential militias have indicated they have no intention of disarming their weapons, although Asaib Ahl al-Haq is among a few that have agreed to turn in their arms.

No immediate response has been received from the U.S. on the appointment. Republican U.S. Representative Joe Wilson labeled al-Khazali as a "designated terrorist and Iranian puppet whose militia AAH killed Americans and Iraqis," and described him as "no better than ISIS, maybe even worse."