Sudani on the cover of Newsweek: The man who brought Iraq back into the spotlight
The renowned American magazine Newsweek published an exceptional cover in its issue released this week featuring Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, asserting in a headline that “It’s time to shine — the Iraqi Prime Minister has brought Iraq back into the spotlight.”
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The selection of Al-Sudani for the cover came after a series of remarkable developments in Iraq recently, most notably the great success in organizing the parliamentary elections, which the magazine described as “among the most smooth and transparent in recent years,” considering that this achievement restored international confidence in Baghdad’s ability to manage its democratic entitlements with high efficiency.
In an extensive report within the issue, Newsweek noted that the political and security developments that accompanied the electoral process coincided with vigorous government efforts to rebuild state institutions and support the national economy, which enabled Iraq to move steadily towards restoring its regional and international role.
The report also addressed Al-Sudani’s vision for promoting stability, improving services, and expanding Iraq’s relations with various countries, considering that this approach “brought Iraq back to the map of global attention after many years of challenges.”
Newsweek: The Sudanese man who wants to make Iraq great again
In an extensive report published by the American newspaper Newsweek, the spotlight was on Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, describing him as “the man who wants to make Iraq great again,” in reference to his ambitious vision to revive Iraq’s historical and cultural role on the international stage.
The newspaper stated that al-Sudani, who assumed the premiership following a political crisis that ousted his predecessor in 2022, has transcended being merely a "temporary solution" to become a pivotal figure leading Iraq through a critical juncture in its history. It added that the upcoming elections, in which more than 7,700 candidates are vying for the position, could determine his political future and his chances of leading the country for a second term.
According to the newspaper, Al-Sudani envisions Iraq as a future global hub for trade, investment, and innovation, basing his vision on its vast natural resources, latent human potential, and rich cultural heritage spanning thousands of years. During his interview with the newspaper at his office in the Presidential Palace in Baghdad's Green Zone, Al-Sudani pointed to the Code of Hammurabi, describing it as "the first law of humanity" and an example of Iraq's contributions to humankind.
Al-Sudani said: “Iraq is a great country, a homeland of civilizations for 7,000 years… This greatness is in the genes of Iraqis, generation after generation, and it is the secret of their resilience in the face of challenges.”
The newspaper concludes its report by noting that the elections will not be just another vote, but a crucial moment that could reshape modern Iraq and give it the opportunity to regain its prestigious position in the world, under the leadership of a man who believes that his country deserves to be great again.
Sudani appoints nine ministers to the new parliament, while four are excluded.
Sudani appoints nine ministers to the new parliament, while four are excluded.
Preliminary results announced by the Independent High Electoral Commission showed that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and nine members of his cabinet won, while four other ministers lost despite receiving thousands of votes.
The preliminary results showed that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who leads the Reconstruction and Development Coalition and is running in Baghdad, received 92,477 votes. Also winning from his coalition in Baghdad were Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Ahmed al-Asadi, who received 14,291 votes, and Minister of Communications Hayam Aboud al-Yassiri, who received 10,240 votes.
Among the winning ministers were Minister of Electricity Ziad Ali, a candidate from the State of Law Coalition in Basra Governorate, who received 17,776 votes, and Minister of Agriculture Abbas Jabr al-Ulayawi, from the same coalition in Najaf, who received 6,171 votes.
Planning Minister Mohammed Ali Tamim, a candidate from the Progress Party in Kirkuk, won with 37,160 votes, as did Defense Minister Thabit Mohammed al-Abbasi, head of the Hasam Party and candidate in Nineveh, who received 19,920 votes.
The results also showed victories for Higher Education Minister Naeem al-Aboudi, a candidate from the Sadiqun Movement in Baghdad, with 8,803 votes; Education Minister Ibrahim Namis, a candidate from the Excellence Alliance in Salah al-Din, with 9,083 votes; and Transportation Minister Razzaq Muhaibis, a candidate from the Badr Organization in Dhi Qar, with 9,362 votes.
Conversely, four ministers lost, most notably Youth and Sports Minister Ahmed al-Mubarga, a candidate from the State of Law Coalition in Baghdad, despite receiving 4,652 votes, and Oil Minister Hayyan Abdul Ghani, a candidate from the same coalition in Basra, who received 6,351 votes.
Tourism, Culture, and Antiquities Minister Ahmed Fakak, a candidate from the Progress Party in Nineveh Governorate, also lost, receiving 7,201 votes. Finally, Minister of Migration and Displacement Evan Faeq Jabro, a candidate representing the Christian quota, also lost, despite receiving 13,128 votes.
The Independent High Electoral Commission announced the preliminary results of Tuesday's elections on Wednesday evening, showing that the Sudani list received the most votes in Baghdad and seven other governorates.
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An advisor to the Prime Minister outlines a roadmap for economic diversification in Iraq.
Saleh added to Al-Furat News Agency that: “Progress in this field still faces structural and institutional obstacles, despite it being one of the basics of implementing the government program that was approved by the House of Representatives in October 2022, as economic diversification in the fields of energy, industry, tourism, digital services and agriculture has taken center stage in the work of the executive authority and the approved draft laws.
He pointed out that the government's strategic framework and political will were formulated through the roadmap launched with the National Development Plan (2024–2028), and in accordance with the data of Iraq Vision 2050, all of which point to strategic objectives for diversifying the economy and building highly cohesive non-oil sectors (agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and the digital economy). He explained that the availability of these plans is important but not sufficient without rigorous, continuous, and sustained implementation that transcends electoral cycles.
He explained that “the goal of the partnership between the state and the private sector has become the first strategic buffer that protects the country from its dependence on a single resource, noting that the diversification policy was launched strongly from the single oil sector itself by manufacturing crude oil and converting it into derivatives and products, towards replacing imports of oil derivatives and being satisfied with the national product after operating giant refineries, and the future direction towards exporting oil products with high added value, which is a first step that will provide between 3% to 5% direct and immediate space in diversifying the gross domestic product in one go, and this path is running in the digital services sector, agriculture, tourism and others in cooperation with the private sector.”
Saleh identified the current path towards containing the financial and real deficit in the macroeconomy, as follows: First: Giving priority to investment in productive infrastructure immediately, especially the electricity generation sector (solar projects and gas investment), making qualitative shifts in water and transportation management, and proceeding with logistics infrastructure projects that link the agricultural and industrial sectors to regional markets, as they generate sustainable employment and reduce the cost of business. Modern solar energy projects represent a practical example of reducing spending and strengthening sustainable economic growth.
He added, "Work is also underway to reform public sector companies and government institutions by increasing efficiency through restructuring energy, ports and railway companies, improving governance mechanisms and involving the efficient and productive private sector in what are called Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)."
He also stressed the importance of "enhancing non-oil revenues by expanding the fair tax base, adopting a productive tax policy based on improving the collection of taxes and customs duties, coordinating fair tax policies without harming the incentive for investment and production, and improving property and land rules to attract industrial and agricultural investment within the framework of national development plans."
Saleh continued, "Governance and digital investment in successful macro-administration remain important assets in accelerating economic diversification, especially adopting mechanisms for evaluating and holding public projects accountable by adopting what is called the Project Evaluation Portal (CPMS) to evaluate the economic, social and environmental feasibility before the start of funding, and performance indicators linking spending to achieving tangible results within a systematic long-term approach to implementing the principles of program and performance budgets, which should be expanded and adopted gradually in cooperation between planning, financial and oversight bodies to achieve the goals of sustainable development and financial strengthening of the country."
An economist says non-oil revenues face major challenges, and there are three sources of funding for the budget.
Nouri told Al-Furat News Agency, "The sources of revenue in the general budget consist of: first, oil export revenues; second, taxes; third, customs duties; fourth, the treasury's share of profits from public companies; fifth, donations and subsidies; and sixth, the sale and lease of state assets."
He added that the available sources facing challenges include
: 1- Customs duties: Iraq imports everything, but the Ministry of Finance faces significant challenges related to smuggling, the entry of goods and merchandise without customs duties, price manipulation, and the proliferation of unofficial and controlled border crossings.
2- Taxes: The Ministry of Finance faces significant challenges from tax evasion and manipulation of tax calculations, as evidenced by what happened in the "Theft of the Century" case
. 3- Sale and lease of state assets: There are significant challenges in the revenue from property rentals, as thousands of properties are occupied without rent being paid, or at a rate lower than what is stipulated by the law governing the sale and lease of state assets.
Nouri al-Maliki, the oldest member of parliament, presided over the opening session.
Nouri al-Maliki, leader of the State of Law Coalition, will preside over the opening session of the new Iraqi parliament as its oldest member ("the acting speaker").
The Iraqi parliament's internal regulations stipulate that the oldest member presides over the first session until a permanent speaker and two deputies are elected. Accordingly, Maliki will preside over the upcoming opening session. The acting speaker's responsibilities include overseeing the swearing-in of elected members and then managing the election of the new parliamentary leadership.
This appointment is a routine procedure but carries political symbolism, reflecting the influence and weight of the individual tasked with presiding over this crucial session, which marks the start of formal negotiations to form the new government.
Shaza Hotels signs four new projects in Saudi Arabia
Shaza also announced a pipeline of $950mln worth projects across the globe in key destinations like Maldives, Turkey, Kuwait, Indonesia, Iraq, USA, Kenya and Libya
Shaza Hotels has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for four new projects – Shaza Riyadh Stables Resort, Mysk Residences in Riyadh and Mysk Al Haramain Hotels - 3 & 4 in Makkah – during the inaugural TOURISE 2025 summit, held from November 11 to 13, 2025 in Riyadh.
Shaza also announced a pipeline of $950 million worth projects across the globe in key destinations like Maldives, Turkey, Kuwait, Indonesia, Iraq, USA, Kenya and Libya at TOURISE 2025.
Shaza partners with region’s reputed investment houses like Al Rajhi Investments Saudi Arabia, Adante Realty Oman and FSM Hospitality Company Saudi Arabia in bringing these projects live and functional.
Simon Coombs, President and CEO of Shaza Hotels, said: “We are pleased to be part of TOURISE 2025 under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism for the signing of four new MoUs that reflect the strength and diversity of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality landscape. Each project – Mysk Residences Riyadh, Shaza Riyadh Stables Resort, and Mysk Al Haramain Hotels - 3 & 4 in Makkah – has been conceived to address distinct guest segments, from business and leisure travellers to long-stay residents and pilgrims. These partnerships underline Shaza Hotels’ expanding presence in the Kingdom and our commitment to working with visionary owners to deliver authentic experiences and world-class hospitality.”
“Each of these four developments has been strategically conceived to harness key growth corridors and destination opportunities shaping the Kingdom’s hospitality landscape. Collectively, these projects reinforce Shaza Hotels’ diversified portfolio strategy – seamlessly bridging business, leisure, long-stay, and spiritual travel segments – while deepening the brand’s long-term presence and investment in Saudi Arabia’s dynamic tourism ecosystem.”, added Shaji Abu Salih, Vice President of Business Development & Growth, Shaza Hotels and Mysk by Shaza, said, at Tourise 2025.
The MoU for Mysk Residences Riyadh was signed between Coombs and Dr Adil Alexander, CEO, Adante RealtyOman.
Mysk Residences Riyadh is a boutique aparthotel of 58 keys, located on King Salman Road in Riyadh. Strategically situated just 10 minutes from Riyadh International Airport and 15 minutes from the vibrant Qiddiya and Murabba developments, Mysk Residences Riyadh will offer one-, two-, three-bedroom apartments and penthouses for both leisure and business travellers, whether for short or extended stays. Facilities include a gym, swimming pool, 24-hour café and in-room dining.
The MoU for Shaza Riyadh Stables Resort was signed between Coombs and Prince Fahad bin Saud Al Saud, Chairman, FSM Hospitality Company and Her Highness Princess Fahdah bent Saud Al Saud, Managing Director, FSM Hospitality Company.
Riyadh Stables Resort is a premium leisure and lifestyle destination located in Al Jubailah, Riyadh, spread across 63,500 square meters. Designed around the theme of equestrian living, the resort combines sport, wellness, and recreation in a natural setting. It will feature a full-fledged Equestrian Club with 100 horse boxes and three professional arenas, alongside three scenic tracks for walking, cycling, and horse riding.
Complementing these are (31) bungalow units, a signature spa, dedicated male and female gyms, paddle courts, soccer fields, and a vibrant water park. The resort’s hospitality offerings include indoor and outdoor restaurants and coffee lounges, creating an ideal retreat for families, wellness seekers, and sport enthusiasts seeking an authentic equestrian-inspired experience in Riyadh.
The MoU for two Mysk Al Haramain Hotels - 3 & 4 in Makkah was signed between Coombs and Fuad Al Rashed, CEO of Al Rajhi Investments.
Mysk Al Haramain Hotels - 3 & 4 in Makkah are 264 & 182 keys upscale hotels respectively, situated just 10 minutes from the Holy Masjid al‑Haram, designed to serve pilgrims seeking a tranquil and high-quality environment during Umrah. Both the hotels will feature a café, all-day dining restaurant, dedicated prayer rooms and shuttle services to the Holy Mosque.
The Sudanese president receives a phone call from the Iranian president.
On Friday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian made a telephone call to Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, congratulating him on the holding of the sixth parliamentary elections in Iraq.
According to a statement issued by the Sudanese media office, the latter "received a phone call from Pezeshkian, in which he congratulated Iraq, government and people, on the success of the sixth parliamentary elections in Iraq, the results of which truly reflect the will of the Iraqi people."
The statement added that Pezeshkian congratulated Al-Sudani and his political coalition (Reconstruction and Development) on their victory in coming first in the national vote results, wishing the Iraqi people to continue on the path of democratic construction and achieve comprehensive renaissance.
The statement indicated that the call included a review of the overall bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to develop them, in a manner that contributes to strengthening stability in the region and serves the interests of the Iraqi and Iranian peoples.
Iran vows to 'strengthen cordial ties with Iraq in all areas' after elections
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has congratulated Iraq on holding a peaceful parliamentary election earlier this week, saying it serves as a “significant step” towards enhancing the country’s democratic process.
Araghchi made the remarks in an X post on Friday, three days after Iraqis voted to elect members of their 329-seat parliament.
“Congratulations to the brotherly people and government of Iraq for successful management of peaceful parliamentary elections,” he said.
“The election was a significant step forward in consolidating the democratic process in Iraq and in safeguarding the sovereignty and security of the nation.”
Araghchi also expressed Tehran’s determination to further strengthen cordial relations with Baghdad in all areas of mutual interest.
Congratulations to the brotherly people and government of Iraq for successful management of peaceful parliamentary elections. The election was a significant step forward in consolidating the democratic process in Iraq and in safeguarding the sovereignty and security of the Show more
Iraq's electoral commission announced a voter turnout of 56.11 percent in the election, saying Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's Reconstruction and Development Alliance garnered the most votes.
Sudani said the election turnout was “clear evidence of another success” that reflected the “restoration of confidence in the political system."
Emphasizing that “the next phase aims to formulate a new government capable of representing its programs," he noted that his coalition is "open to all parties without exception."
Iraq is currently recovering from decades of war, occupation, and terrorist attacks.
The United States invaded Iraq in 2003 based on false claims about Baghdad possessing weapons of mass destruction, leaving a trail of destruction, death, and chaos in the Arab country.
The US and its allies re-launched a military campaign in 2014 to supposedly fight off Daesh. The terrorist group had emerged in Iraq and neighboring Syria earlier as Washington was running out of excuses to extend its meddling in the West Asia region or enlarge it in scale.
The US military claimed to be ending its combat mission in Iraq in 2021, but said it would retain some 2,500 troops in the country as alleged advisors, although, Baghdad and its allies had decisively defeated terrorists with the help of Iran in late 2017
Sudani welcomes his winning candidates: The results reflect the Iraqis' faith in our project
The head of the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, received a number of the coalition's winning candidates in the recent parliamentary elections, in the presence of former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi, Minister of Labor Ahmed al-Asadi, and several other prominent figures. During the meeting, al-Sudani emphasized that the election results reflect a return of public confidence in the political process. He noted that the voter turnout, which exceeded 56%, is an indicator of the strength of the popular will and citizens' support for the reconstruction and development project, which aims to promote development and reform across various sectors in the coming years.
He received a number of winning candidates from within the coalition during the recent parliamentary elections, in the presence of the former Prime Minister, Mr. Iyad Allawi, the Minister of Labor, Ahmed Al-Asadi, and a number of dignitaries and figures from the coalition’s supporters.
We expressed our thanks and appreciation to all the leaders and electoral pillars of the Reconstruction and Development Coalition for their efforts that contributed to achieving great results during the legislative elections.
We noted that the recent legislative elections witnessed a return of confidence between the people and the political process through the broad participation that was unprecedented in years, and that the participation rate in the elections, which exceeded 56%, was not expected, and that international and regional institutions look at the standard of the percentage of citizens’ participation in the elections, which represents popular confidence in the existing political process.
We explained that the Reconstruction and Development Project is continuing its reform approach, working to correct the paths and meet the aspirations of the Iraqis, stressing that the government and the Reconstruction and Development Coalition Project were subjected to a campaign of misinformation and falsification before the elections, suggesting that doubts will continue to be cast on the list’s victory and the nearly 1.4 million votes it achieved, which no political entity has reached in all the elections.
We affirmed that the coalition leaders will engage in a negotiation process to reach a parliamentary-governmental project capable of meeting the aspirations of citizens and confronting current challenges.
Here are the main points we discussed during the meeting:
🔹The loss of public confidence in elections represented the biggest loss to the political process, so it was necessary to restore this confidence.
🔹The world is now aware that our people have made their choices, and that the voter turnout has increased.
🔹The Reconstruction and Development Coalition is a national project that includes political and national figures who believe in the reconstruction and development project, and the votes we received in various governorates reflect people’s confidence in our project.
🔹Obtaining this number of votes presents a challenge for us to provide services at a level befitting the aspirations of the citizens who participated in the elections and granted us this trust.
🔹Government performance was a major reason for the return of public confidence in the political process.
🔹We will double our efforts, and we will achieve much of what we started in the previous period. Reconstruction in Iraq will continue for more than twenty years, and we will work to promote development in various files and sectors.
The US agrees to sell an advanced communications system to Iraq.
The Pentagon added that the prime contractor for the sale would be L3 Harris Corporation.
A Telecommunication Repeater System is a vital system in telecommunications networks. Its primary function is to receive weak or distorted wireless or wired signals, amplify or renew them, and then retransmit them to increase coverage range and maintain signal quality over long distances.
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