India, Jan. 27 -- Iraq's fragile political landscape is once again at a turning point. After months of uncertainty and regional upheaval, powerful Shia political blocs have rallied behind a familiar and controversial name, Nouri al-Maliki.His nomination as Iraq's next prime minister has triggered intense debate at home and abroad, raising urgent questions about Iraq's future stability, its ties with Iran and the United States, and whether the country is heading toward reform or repetition of past mistakes.

Nouri al-Maliki is one of the most influential and polarising figures in modern Iraqi politics. Now 75, he first rose to prominence after the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein. A longtime member and leader of the Islamic...