Just as it was starting to regain equilibrium Iraqi Prime Minster Haidar al-‘Abadi’s government has been sent into a spin. The Iraqi parliament is now moving to impeach Finance Minister Hoshyar Zebari following its successful vote to remove Defense Minister Khalid al-‘Ubaidi on 25 August. These efforts are clearly being driven by political aims as Mr ‘Abadi’s opponents seek to undermine him.

The back-and-forth corruption allegations that have erupted during the process threaten to undermine the entire political establishment. Furthermore, the process has divided elements within Mr ‘Abadi’s camp, further weakening his already shaky position. (CONTINUED - 2137 WORDS)