Iraq cabinet formation tied to al-Zaydi's regional diplomacy push

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq is pursuing a diplomatic recalibration through Ali al-Zaydi's contacts in regional capitals as it grapples with domestic challenges, with the talks unfolding against a sensitive backdrop covering security, energy and economic files. The engagement is viewed as part of Baghdad's effort to maintain balance by steering clear of axis-based alignments. Completion of the cabinet, one of Iraq's main political deadlocks, remains among the unresolved domestic files. Progress in external diplomacy could create space for easing political disputes and advancing institutional issues, according to the framing in the source. The outcome of cabinet formation, however, ultimately rests on decisions by Iraqi parties themselves, and external developments alone cannot deliver a result. Whether the process succeeds will depend on translating regional understandings into domestic politics and on the willingness of political blocs to reach a compromise.