The leader of the Al-Hikma Movement, Fahd Al-Jubouri, confirmed the withdrawal of both Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani and Nouri Al-Maliki from running for the position of Prime Minister, indicating that the political scene is witnessing a re-arrangement of the cards as the government’s eligibility approaches. Al-Jubouri said, in a press interview, that the competition has become almost settled between the head of the intelligence service, Hamid Al-Shatari, and the leader of the State of Law coalition, Bassem Al-Badri, with the possibility of proposing a new consensual name in the event that understandings between the political parties falter. He added that the active blocs continue their intensive consultations and communications behind the scenes to reach a final consensus, in light of a sensitive political stage that requires a quick decision and a delicate balance between the various forces.