Al-Maliki must now pick cabinet to prepare Iraq for U.S. pullout

[nathan1606]

BAGHDAD — Incumbent Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki cemented his grip on power yesterday, bringing an end to nearly nine months of political deadlock after he was asked to form the next government.

He now faces the daunting task of bringing together Iraq’s Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish factions in a government that can overcome enduring tensions as the country struggles to develop its economy and prevent a resurgence of violence as the last American troops are due to leave by the end of next year.

The long-awaited request from President Jalal Talabani sets in motion a 30-day timeline during which al-Maliki must pick his cabinet. Al-Maliki, a steely politician known more for his ability to alienate than unify, said he was aware of the challenges ahead.

The new government is expected to include all the major factions, including the Kurds, Shiite political parties aligned with Iran and a Sunni-backed bloc that believes it should have been the one leading the next government.

http://www2.journalnow.com/news/2010/nov/26/al-maliki-must-now-pick-cabinet-to-prepare-iraq-fo-ar-568196/