Iraq Prime Minister Considers Extensive Government Personnel Changes

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Prime Minister Ali Falih ez-Zeydi is reportedly preparing a comprehensive list of personnel changes affecting more than 100 senior officials as he completes the formation of his government. A designated team is reviewing public institutions, ranging from ministry undersecretaries to general directors. Evaluations are based on administrative performance, management failures, and alleged ties to armed groups. Decisions have already been made regarding sensitive positions, including the National Security Advisory and the Central Bank. These developments follow a visit to Baghdad by U.S. Special Representative Tom Barrack, who discussed state structure, institutional governance, and security files with the Prime Minister. The moves precede ez-Zeydi's scheduled visit to Washington to meet with U. President Donald Trump. Political sources further indicate that the positions of deputy prime ministers have been abolished. Additionally, a project to establish a Federal Security Ministry intended to merge the Popular Mobilization Forces (Hashd al-Shaabi) and other armed groups has been shelved.