Ghaani had arrived in Baghdad this week to try and unify Iraq’s fractured politicians as stiff opposition by the Hikma movement thwarts chances the country’s latest prime minister-designate, Adnan al-Zurfi, can form a government.
Ghaani made his first trip to Baghdad since his appointment, succeeding Qassem Soleimani
, who was killed in a US air strike in Iraq in January.Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi called on Hikma leader, Ammar al-Hakim to end the crisis, urging him to take into consideration the health and economic situation in the country. After a meeting with Hakim, the speaker stressed the need for parliament to play its role in confronting the economic crisis sparked by a drop in oil prices.
Shiite forces remain divided over Zurfi’s appointment, but that has not stopped him from acting as if his designation had been approved. He has held almost daily meetings with officials, the latest was with Defense Minister Najah al-Shammari on Thursday. An Iranian diplomat revealed that he had also met "indirectly" with Ghaani.
On whether Ghaani had made progress with the Shiite parties, political commentator, Ihsan al-Shammari told Asharq al-Awsat that he made a "major breakthrough", but only with their leaderships.
Sharp divisions remain between these leaderships and their parliamentary contingents, he explained.
Ghaani’s visit confirms "without a doubt" that Iraq still remains a priority for Tehran, which is still banking on the possibility of uniting Shiite ranks, he continued. Soleimani had attempted to unite them through a document that was signed at Hakim’s residence last year, but the agreement soon collapsed due to the protests that erupted in October.
Related:
Esmail Ghaani: 2020-03-07 Quds commander Ghaani visited Syria
Esmail Ghaani: 2020-01-24 Successor to slain Iran general faces same fate if he kills Americans
Esmail Ghaani: 2020-01-22 New Qods Force Commander Esmail Ghaani: We will avenge Soleimani’s Blood with the Efforts of All Free Men Around the World
Esmail Ghaani: 2020-03-07 Quds commander Ghaani visited Syria
Esmail Ghaani: 2020-01-24 Successor to slain Iran general faces same fate if he kills Americans
Esmail Ghaani: 2020-01-22 New Qods Force Commander Esmail Ghaani: We will avenge Soleimani’s Blood with the Efforts of All Free Men Around the World
Related:
Adnan al-Zurfi: 2020-03-20 Despite the curfew imposed to limit spread of coronavirus, visitors still flock from all over Baghdad to commemorate the anniversary of Imam Musa al-Kadhim’s death
Adnan al-Zurfi: 2020-03-19 Iraqi President Barham Salih designated a former governor of Najaf, Adnan al-Zurfi, for prime minister
Adnan al-Zurfi: 2020-03-17 Iraq’s President Barham Salih designates Adnan Al-Zurfi as the new Prime Minister
Adnan al-Zurfi: 2020-03-20 Despite the curfew imposed to limit spread of coronavirus, visitors still flock from all over Baghdad to commemorate the anniversary of Imam Musa al-Kadhim’s death
Adnan al-Zurfi: 2020-03-19 Iraqi President Barham Salih designated a former governor of Najaf, Adnan al-Zurfi, for prime minister
Adnan al-Zurfi: 2020-03-17 Iraq’s President Barham Salih designates Adnan Al-Zurfi as the new Prime Minister
Related:
Qassem Soleimani: 2020-03-13 Spox of #Iran-aligned Iraqi militant group Harakat alNujaba, seemingly addressing Iraqi authorities who have condemned #CampTaji attack
Qassem Soleimani: 2020-03-13 Iran likely behind attack that killed Americans in Iraq
Qassem Soleimani: 2020-03-11 U.S. Sending Missile Defense To Iraq After Attack From Iran
Qassem Soleimani: 2020-03-13 Spox of #Iran-aligned Iraqi militant group Harakat alNujaba, seemingly addressing Iraqi authorities who have condemned #CampTaji attack
Qassem Soleimani: 2020-03-13 Iran likely behind attack that killed Americans in Iraq
Qassem Soleimani: 2020-03-11 U.S. Sending Missile Defense To Iraq After Attack From Iran
Related:
Mohammed al-Halbousi: 2020-03-09 Iran ‘appreciates’ Iraqi efforts to expel US troops: advisor
Mohammed al-Halbousi: 2020-01-01 Baghdad condemns US embassy attack: ‘Attack on Iraqi sovereignty’
Mohammed al-Halbousi: 2019-08-27 Iraq Vows to ‘Deter Aggressors’ after Attacks against PMF
Mohammed al-Halbousi: 2020-03-09 Iran ‘appreciates’ Iraqi efforts to expel US troops: advisor
Mohammed al-Halbousi: 2020-01-01 Baghdad condemns US embassy attack: ‘Attack on Iraqi sovereignty’
Mohammed al-Halbousi: 2019-08-27 Iraq Vows to ‘Deter Aggressors’ after Attacks against PMF
Related:
Ammar al-Hakim: 2019-11-22 Iraqi parliament strips benefits of senior officials
Ammar al-Hakim: 2019-11-21 US threatens to sanction Iraq officials over protest deaths
Ammar al-Hakim: 2019-11-16 German Interior Ministry Allegedly Ignored Informant Close to 2016 Berlin Christmas Market Attacker
Ammar al-Hakim: 2019-11-22 Iraqi parliament strips benefits of senior officials
Ammar al-Hakim: 2019-11-21 US threatens to sanction Iraq officials over protest deaths
Ammar al-Hakim: 2019-11-16 German Interior Ministry Allegedly Ignored Informant Close to 2016 Berlin Christmas Market Attacker