Trump and Xi Jingping summit: How are the United States and China redefining their relationship?

Image
As tensions over trade, Taiwan, technology, and global influence intensify, the meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping may determine the future balance of power between Washington and Beijing. By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Sulaimani, Iraq | 13 May 2026 — Kurdish Policy Analysis "We don't have permanent allies and we don't have permanent enemies, only our interests are permanent, and we have to follow them." – Henry John Temple. The root of the current Strait of Hormuz tensions is not only about shipping routes or oil prices, but also about the final collapse of the historical US concept towards Beijing. However, the 2025 National Security Strategy, released by the White House in November, says this was a historic mistake because China used the assets it accumulated to strengthen itself and compete with the West, not to become their partner. For many years, the United States alone maintained maritime security; The fifth US ship in Manama, Bahrain, worked only to keep o...
Post a Comment

Iraq’s Parliament Split as Rival Camps Clash Over Presidential Vote and Government Formation

     

Sudani pushes to form Iraq’s next government NOW, Maliki & militias want to wait — the battle for power amid US-Iran tensions begins.

                Sudani’s camp wants to elect a president & form a government NOW. Maliki & militias 
                say: “Wait until the US-Iran storm passes. Who wins will shape Iraq — and the region.

Sulaimanyah, March 29 —Kurdish Policy Analysis

 Iraq’s parliament is sharply divided into two competing camps over the timing of the country’s next presidential election and government formation, raising concerns over political instability amid regional tensions.

One bloc, aligned with Prime Minister-designate Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, key Kurdish parties excluding the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi, and Shia factions including Qais al-Khazali and Ammar al-Hakim, is pushing to proceed swiftly with both the presidential vote and the naming of a new prime minister. Supporters of this camp say accelerating the process is crucial to maintain government functionality and reassure international partners.

In contrast, a rival coalition comprising former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, the KDP, Hadi al-Amiri, Humam Hamoudi, Abu Alaa al-Wala’i, and militias such as Kataib Hezbollah, is advocating for delaying both the presidential election and government formation until after the potential fallout from the ongoing US-Iran tensions. The Maliki-aligned bloc argues that postponing decisions will provide more political stability and avoid further escalation during a volatile regional period.

    Infographics explaining Sudani's camp versus Maliki's camp in Iraqi Parliamant

 The parliament has seen fluctuating support for moving ahead with the presidential vote. Reports indicate that the number of MPs signing in favor reached 230 at one point, dropped to 206 after some withdrew backing, and later rose again to over 220. Analysts say that while the Sudani camp currently holds a numerical advantage, it is uncertain whether it can secure a decisive majority to push forward the vote and form a government.

   "Sudani’s camp wants to elect a president & form a government NOW. While Maliki & militias say: “Wait until the US-Iran storm passes.” Who wins will shape Iraq — and the region."

The Sudani camp includes Sudani’s 46 seats, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan’s 17, Halbousi’s Taqaddum bloc with 35, Ammar al-Hakim’s Hikma with 18, Qais al-Khazali’s Sadiqoun with 29, and smaller parties including New Generation, Halwest, Rayan al-Kildani, and Jamahir.

The Maliki camp counts Maliki’s 30 seats, the KDP’s 26 plus 5 quota seats, the Badr Organization’s 20, Muthanna al-Samarrai’s Azm with 16, Khamis al-Khanjar’s 10, Huquq of Kataib Hezbollah with 6, Shibl al-Zaidi’s Services Alliance with 9, Muhsin al-Mandalawi’s Asas with 8, Tasmim with 5, and Humam Hamoudi’s Abshir Ya Iraq with 4.

As Iraq navigates internal divisions, the outcome of this parliamentary struggle will shape the country’s governance amid the broader geopolitical tensions in the region, including ongoing US-Iran confrontations.

#IraqPolitics #IraqiParliament #GovernmentFormation #NouriAlMaliki #MohammedShiaAlSudani #MiddleEast

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Iranian Media Unveils ‘Lord of the Straits’ Animation Amid Hormuz Tensions

     Iran Drops “Lord of the Straits” Animation — A Chilling Signal Over Hormuz Control March 23, 2026 Iranian state-affiliated media outlets have released a stylized animation titled “Lord of the Straits,” centered on the strategic Strait of Hormuz , as tensions in the region continue to escalate. The animation, which has circulated widely on social media, depicts a dramatized narrative emphasizing Iran’s control and influence over the narrow maritime passage, a critical artery for global oil shipments. While the video does not include official military statements, analysts say its messaging aligns with Tehran’s broader strategic signaling amid the ongoing confrontation involving the United States and its allies. The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly a fifth of the world’s oil trade, making any perceived threat to its security a major concern for global energy markets. Recent weeks have seen heightened rhetoric from multiple sides, including warnings over potential di...
Read more

Did Japan just send Godzilla to the Strait of Hormuz? As global tensions rise, a viral meme captures the chaos of 2026’s geopolitical crisis.

Image
       Godzilla escorts an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz in a viral meme capturing the chaos of rising global tensions in 2026 Japan Deploys Legendary Asset to Secure Strait of Hormuz: Godzilla Now on Escort Duty As tensions surge in the Strait of Hormuz —a critical artery for nearly 20% of global oil—an unexpected viral moment has taken over the internet: Japan has “deployed” Godzilla . What started as a joke is now one of the most shared reactions to a rapidly escalating geopolitical crisis in 2026. Why This Matters The Strait of Hormuz handles nearly 20% of global oil Any disruption impacts fuel prices worldwide Escalation could affect Iraq, Kurdistan, and global markets In a move that has stunned military analysts and delighted meme lords everywhere, Japan has apparently answered the call to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz —by sending its most fearsome maritime guardian straight from the silver screen. A now-viral image shows the King of the Mo...
Read more

U.S.–Iran 45 Day Ceasefire Bid Emerges as War Nears Breaking Point

Image
  ANALYSIS — Last-ditch diplomacy tests limits as U.S.–Iran war nears escalation point.  Backchannel diplomacy scrambles for a 45-day pause as threats escalate and the fate of the region hangs on a rapidly closing window. Kurdish Policy Analysis , April 6 (Analysis) — A flurry of high-stakes diplomacy aimed at halting the U.S.–Iran war has emerged as what officials describe as a “last realistic opportunity” to prevent a far wider regional conflict, even as military threats intensify and timelines compress. At the center of the effort is a proposed 45-day ceasefire , structured as a two-phase process: an initial pause in hostilities followed by negotiations toward a permanent settlement . A narrow diplomatic window The urgency reflects a rapidly closing window. U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a deadline—extended slightly to Tuesday evening— warning of major strikes if Iran fails to meet key demands, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz , a vital artery for glo...
Read more