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.