Trump Ousts Special Envoy to Iraq Mark Sawaya Amid US-Iraq Tensions
America
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News18•01-02-2026, 11:12
Trump Ousts Special Envoy to Iraq Mark Sawaya Amid US-Iraq Tensions
- •Mark Sawaya, Trump's special envoy to Iraq since October, has been removed from his role.
- •Sawaya, a Christian Iraqi-American businessman, was appointed to engage Arab and Muslim voters for Trump's 2024 campaign.
- •His removal is linked to White House dissatisfaction, particularly his failure to prevent Nouri al-Maliki's potential return as Iraqi PM.
- •The US had warned Iraq against Maliki's return, citing his role in sectarian tensions and the rise of ISIS.
- •Tom Barrack, US Ambassador and Special Envoy for Syria, may now handle Iraq affairs, as Trump aims to limit Iran's influence in Iraqi politics.
Why It Matters: Trump removed his special envoy to Iraq, Mark Sawaya, due to policy disagreements and a push to counter Iran's influence.
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