Dispute over interior minister pick deepens within Iraq's State of Law Coalition

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A dispute over who should hold the Interior Ministry portfolio has reopened internal political tensions inside Iraq's State of Law Coalition, led by former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. The disagreement centers on Yasser Sakhil's candidacy, which coalition sources said has revived factional disputes within the bloc. Some political figures have argued that the proposed nominee lacks sufficient security experience for the post. They also raised concerns that appointing a figure tied to the coalition leadership by kinship would reopen debates over sectarian and family balance within the alliance. The dispute has split the State of Law Coalition into two camps. One side opposes the candidacy on grounds of competence and political sensitivity, while the other backs Sakhil as part of what they describe as a recalibration of influence within the bloc. As the Iraqi government works to restructure security institutions free from political party influence, calls have grown for ministry appointments to be based on professional experience rather than personal ties. The Interior Ministry is regarded as one of the most powerful portfolios in Iraq's state structure because of its links to security agencies, its control of millions of administrative and electoral files, and its wide presence across state institutions.