Iraq's appointed Prime Minister Mohammed Allawi declared his withdrawal from the post Sunday night after failing to secure parliamentary support for his cabinet selection, prolonging the country's political impasse in the face of multiple fiscal, health and security challenges.
Prime Minister-designate criticized unidentified political parties, saying: "They were not serious about introducing the changes they promised the people." He accused them of putting obstacles in the way of a new and independent government.
“If I agreed to offer concessions, I would be prime minister now, but I tried everything possible to save the country from sliding toward the unknown and resolve the current crisis," he said.
"But the negotiations hit repeated snags," he said, justifying his decision to withdraw, in a short address to the nation. He accused certain sides of "just for narrow interests" in negotiations.
A month after being chosen for the post, Allawi's removal plunges the nation into more turmoil at a critical time and as the country weathers turbulent times, including continuing anti-government demonstrations and the constant threat of festering tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
Noteworthy, after the Kurdish delegation met with Allawi to discuss his Cabinet and program last week, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani headed a meeting in Erbil Feb. 24, in which he concluded that “the steps were taken by Mr. Allawi so far have not earned the trust of many Iraqi parties and communities. Therefore, we ask that his work plan and agenda be revised in a way that the future government will address and meet the demands of all Iraqi communities.”
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