Al-Monitor host Adam Lucente breaks down the Coordination Framework’s nomination of Nouri al-Maliki to be the next prime minister of Iraq. He goes over what we learned from Maliki’s first stint as premier; the potential for him to secure the support necessary to return the office; and how the politician may approach relations with the US, Iran and the region. The episode features commentary from Iraq expert Tamer Badawi.

Editor's note: This episode was updated on Jan. 27, 2026 to include comments from US President Donald Trump on Maliki's nomination.

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