Iraq presidential vote postponed due to Kurdish candidate selection issues

Iraq’s parliament has postponed the presidential election to allow Kurdish parties KDP and PUK to agree on a candidate, amidst a sectarian quota system that assigns the presidency to a Kurd. The KDP has proposed Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, but approval from Shia and Sunni blocs is necessary. Following the election, the new president will appoint a prime minister, likely former leader Nouri al-Maliki, who has faced US concerns over his pro-Iranian stance. The situation reflects ongoing tensions between US and Iranian interests in Iraq.

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