Iyad Alawi Chosen as Iraq's Interim Prime Minister

Strategic Insights -

Iyad Alawi, a neurologist with ties to the Central Intelligence Agency, was unexpectedly chosen as Iraq's interim prime minister by UN Special Envoy Lakhdar Brahimi. The selection came after weeks of intense negotiations involving Iraqi leaders and American officials, with Alawi emerging as a compromise candidate between the country's two largest Shiite political parties. Alawi's selection has sparked controversy, with some leaders expressing concerns that he lacks a strong political base and was chosen to make it easier for the Americans and the UN to control the nation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Iyad Alawi, a secular-minded Shiite leader and Iraqi neurologist, was chosen as the country's interim prime minister by UN Special Envoy Lakhdar Brahimi.
  • Alawi was a compromise candidate between the country's two largest Shiite political parties, the Dawa Party and the Supreme Council for Revolution in Iraq.
  • The selection came after Alawi's rival, Dr. Hussain al-Shahristani, a former Iraqi nuclear scientist, withdrew his name due to stiff opposition from the Iraqi Governing Council and the country's powerful Shiite parties.
  • Alawi is a member of the Iraqi National Accord, a umbrella organization he set up in 1991 with the help of the US government, and has previously received financing from the CIA.
  • Alawi's selection has sparked controversy, with some leaders expressing concerns that he lacks a strong political base and was chosen to make it easier for the Americans and the UN to control the nation.
  • Alawi has stated that he will work with the Americans and the UN to establish a transition government, with the goal of holding national elections by the end of the year.
  • The selection of Alawi represents the triumph of politics over the notion that Iraq could or should be ruled by a group of apolitical technocrats until elections can be held.

Statistics:

  • Iraq's sovereignty will transfer to the interim government on June 30.
  • Alawi is expected to be named president in the next few days, along with the rest of the interim government.
  • Alawi's Iraqi National Accord received funding from the US government in 1991.
  • Alawi has been a recipient of CIA financing since the 1990s.

Sources:

  • The New York Times, June [no date given], "Iyad Alawi Chosen as Iraq's Interim Prime Minister"
  • The New York Times, June [no date given], "UN Envoy Names Alawi as Iraq Interim Prime Minister"
  • The New York Times, June [no date given], "Alawi's Path to Top Was Marked by Rifts and Rivalries"
  • The New York Times, June [no date given], "US Official Plays Down Role in Alawi's Rise"