Middle East Focus: Iraqi Elections: a Modified Old Ruling Coalition, a Role for Muqtada………

Arabia Deserta

Iraqi Elections: a Modified Old Ruling Coalition, a Role for Muqtada………

Azzaman daily reports that Nuri al-Maliki has sent his chief of staff to Tehran to talk with Iranians about formation of the next Iraqi cabinet, now that it looks like al-Maliki’s coalition will be in charge. The report says the envoy traveled through several Arab capitals to cover his destination.

Caution: Azzaman largely speaks for Iraq’s former ruling (Sunni) elites. It is owned and edited by Saad al-Bazzaz, who was head of Saddam’s communication for some time. These people often tend to look at Iraq’s Shi’a majority as some sort of Iranian agents. After the 2005 elections, Azzaman was openly calling for the overthrow of the government.
I don’t know if this report is true, but it should be taken with a large grain of salt (i.e. verify first). Even if true, the man might be traveling to talk to Muqtada al-Sadr, now studying in Iran, and who did better than expected in the election.

It looks like Iraq’s new cabinet will be largely formed through a new configuration of the old alliances. Mr. Allawi’s pre-election campaign visits to the neighboring Arab governments only managed to solidify support for his allies in the Western (Sunni) provinces, but did little to endear him to the Shi’as and the Kurds.
Cheers
mhg

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