Iraq names intelligence chief Mustafa Al Kadhimi as new prime minister

Al Kadhimi is the third to be nominated to the top job since Iraaq's last prime minister resigned. He has 30 days to assemble a Cabinet for parliament's approval.

By Sophie Mann

Published: April 9, 2020 7:51am

Updated: April 9, 2020 8:31am

Iraq President Barham Salih announced Thursday that Mustafa Al Kadhimi, the head of the country's intelligence services, will become the new prime minister. Al Kadhimi will have 30 days to form a Cabinet to present to parliament.

The future prime minister wrote on twitter:

Al Kadhimi is known for his strong relationships with regional powers, as well as the United States. He is the third candidate to be nominated for the position since Iraq's prime minister resigned in November of 2019. The first two failed to assemble Cabinets that parliament would approve.

Al Kadhimi was born in Baghdad. He earned a law degree and has published several books. Prior to accepting his role at the National Intelligence Service, he wrote frequently about the need for reform in Iraq.