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Iraq
Allawi Agrees to Join Maliki Government in Iraq
2010-12-21
Former Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi says he will join Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's coalition government, as long as Mr. Maliki keeps his promise to fairly distribute power.
Criminy, Ayad, you could have had this done the first week. It wasn't hard.
Mr. Allawi said Sunday he has agreed to accept a job in the government as head of a newly created strategic policy council that will limit Mr. Maliki's authority on various issues. But he warned that his support could end if there is any change to the current power-sharing agreement.

The announcement comes a day before Prime Minister Maliki is expected to name a new Cabinet, potentially ending a nine-month political stalemate after inconclusive elections.

Late last month, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani asked Mr. Maliki to form a new government as part of a deal to end the political stalemate, and gave him 30 days to choose a new Cabinet. Mr. Talabani's request came after political leaders reached a power-sharing deal that put Mr. Maliki, a Shiite, on track for a second term.

In Iraq's March 7 elections, the Iraqiya coalition of former Prime Minister Allawi won two more seats than Mr. Maliki's State of Law coalition. But neither won enough for a parliamentary majority, triggering the political impasse.

Iraqiya's inability to find political partners allowed Mr. Maliki to gain momentum and support. He partnered with anti-American Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr in an Iranian-backed coalition.
If Ayad had made a deal quickly he could have kept Maliki and Mookie apart. As it is Mookie's now inside the tent bringing Iran's influence that much closer.
Posted by: Anonymoose

#1  Criminy, Ayad, you could have had this done the first week. It wasn't hard.

The souk has certain customs that must be followed...
Posted by: Pappy   2010-12-21 21:17  

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