Eight Months of Sudani Premiership: Beyond Expectations

The government of Mohammad Shia al-Sudani has surpassed expectations in the eight months since taking office. Initially, many believed his government would have a short lifespan and fall victim to political challenges soon after being established. However, nearly eight months have passed, and the Sudani government has performed remarkably well thus far.

The most significant accomplishment of the Sudani government was the approval of a three-year budget that has effectively stabilized its political position. Now, the government knows which budget clauses to utilize to advance the country's economic affairs, preventing any impending challenges that previous governments faced. The new budget's feature is its approval for three consecutive years, leaving the government free to manage affairs.

While Moqtada Sadr was expected to pose the most significant challenge for Sudani, currently on a fast of silence, he has not caused any tension for the government. The hottest days of summer, where the Iraqi people typically take to the streets due to heat and lack of services, have yet to arrive. In this context, the government's efforts to alleviate electricity shortages have been apparent and may satisfy Iraqi citizens to some extent. With necessary authority and no major weakness, the government can expect to pass this hot summer with ease.

Sudani has positively interacted with various parties and competitors within his government, including using the forces of the Sadr movement in the middle ranks of government, earning general satisfaction from political currents henceforth. At least in the Shia community and among their political parties, there are no serious protests against the Sudani government.

Al-Sudani takes populist measures, attracting media attention while satisfying ordinary people on the street and in markets to some extent. His unexpected presence at Baghdad airport and public complaint about the airport chief leading to his dismissal, hiring new employees in government, occasional presence among the people on various occasions, and numerous political and economic conferences have created an acceptable face for him.

The civil works of the government, including the reconstruction of Baghdad streets, recreational and public places, opening important projects like the Karbala refinery, improving services in various cities such as Najaf, Karbala, and Baghdad, hosting the Persian Gulf Cup games in Basra, or starting the construction of the enormous "Development Road" project connecting the south of Iraq from Basra with a highway and railway to the north at the borders of Turkey, were effective in creating a positive image of the government.

At the regional and international level, Sudani has an acceptable record. From his presence in Europe to mediating in the case of Iran and Saudi Arabia and now Iran and Egypt, as well as his effective presence in Arab capitals and international meetings, including Cairo, Amman, and the Arab League meeting in Jeddah, he has maintained a defensible stance.

However, Sudani is worried about the future, especially concerning the Americans' attitude towards his government. He has seen their history with the government of Adel Abdul Mahdi and knows that his government is supported by Al-Hashd al-Shaabi, who consider his government to be the government of the currents making up Al-Hashd al-Shaabi. Everyone knows that Al-Hashd al-Shaabi has strong support from the Islamic Republic of Iran, making it clear that the Sudani government is supported by Iran. Despite being under pressure from both countries for different reasons, Sudani has managed to maintain a balance in its interaction with Iran and the US.

Sudani is preparing the grounds for his trip to the United States, remembering the hardships of Adel Abdul Mahdi and Washington's repeated objections to his visit due to his association with Iran against American pressure. In the general rumors of Iraq, the reason for Adel Abdul Mahdi's government's fall was due to American pressure and dissatisfaction with his association with Iran, despite its significant successes in diplomacy and economy. Sudani believes that a trip to the US with positive results can be effective in stabilizing his government. Although it was said he would go to Washington after Eid al-Fitr, especially since his deputy and foreign minister Fuad Hussein went there before him for about ten days, it did not happen. With Eid al-Adha approaching, it is not expected that Washington has planned a trip for Sudani.

Al-Sudani faces governorship elections, which can be a severe test for him and Iraqi political parties. If he can pass these political hurdles well and maintain his current upward trend, we can expect his government to remain in power until the upcoming elections, with no serious problems.