Ali Falih Kadhim al‑Zaidi sworn in as Iraq’s youngest PM (age 40)

What: Ali Falih Kadhim al‑Zaidi sworn in as Prime Minister and Commander‑in‑Chief; Parliament approved 14 of 23 ministerial positions; coalition bargaining continues.

Significance:

• Regional politics: New leadership amid coalition negotiations; potential shifts in governance and security policy in Iraq.

UPSC relevance: Middle East politics, coalition governments, parliamentary dynamics.

Practice Q: Explain the challenges of cabinet formation in coalition systems with reference to recent Iraqi politics.