The Coordination Framework in Iraq (the ruling coalition) has chosen Ali al-Zaidi as its candidate for prime minister. According to the Iraqi News Agency, the president has tasked al-Zaidi with forming the government. The statement added: "The Coordination Framework praises the performance of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's government during his three and a half years in office and appreciates the responsible positions of Nouri al-Maliki and Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in withdrawing their candidacies for the premiership." The selection comes against the backdrop of US opposition to al-Maliki's appointment and its reservations about another term for al-Sudani.