Tensions rise as new Iraqi PM is nominated and Maliki clings to his office

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The Hill ‏@thehill 31m
Tensions rise as new Iraqi PM is nominated http://ow.ly/Ac90M by @kristina_wong

Iraq's president on Monday named a new prime minister, but incumbent Nouri al-Maliki is insisting that he should remain in power, raising fears of a possible clash.

Iraq president, Fouad Massoum, has nominated Haider al-Abadi from the government's Shiite coalition as the country's next prime minister, according to the New York Times.

The United States has put pressure on Iraqi politicians to expedite the formation a new government following parliamentary elections held at the end of April. The hope is that a more inclusive government could help ease the sectarian divisions exploited by terrorist group the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

The United States has expressed its support for Massoum. It is also beginning to arm the Kurdish forces in the north, while continuing airstrikes against ISIS targets. Airdrops of food and water to stranded Iraqi refugees are also continuing.

Maliki has indicated he doesn't plan to leave power, and on Sunday he ordered Iraqi troops to surround Baghdad's government center in a show of force to Massoum and other political figures.

Maliki is insisting that he remain as prime minister, since he commanded the largest bloc after the parliamentary elections.


read more: http://thehill.com/policy/international/middle-east-north-africa/214819-tensions-rise-as-new-iraqi-pm-is-nominated

. . . here we go.

What kind of pressure, if any, will the U.S. exert on Maliki at the same time they are actively and, in many recent and ongoing incidences, directing and conducting military strikes within the country? Already, our State Dept. has put their weight and support behind the Iraqi president and will undoubtedly call for Maliki to step aside.

Personally, I think the U.S. should butt out of Iraqi politics - especially with our warships and planes positioned to strike anywhere inside of the country and with our active arming and military strikes in the benefit of the Kurdish army - but that's not going to happen.

The U.S. and Pres. Obama will likely put maximum pressure on Maliki in the coming days and weeks. What effect or consequence the U.S. government's covert, overt, and political actions will have on the situation will play itself out in substantial and worrisome ways, I believe.

I hope for the best and would urge our government and military to stand down as much as possible, given their commitment and intention to proceed with counterterrorism measures associated with their 'war on terror' directed from positions in Iraq and in the region.

My thoughts are with the Iraqi people and best hopes for their safety and welfare.

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1. don't ignore this development folks

. . . this is part and parcel of the complex and institutional reasons behind the escalated military actions ordered by Pres. Obama.

Keep your eye on the ball . . .

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2. Will there be another public hanging for Western entertainment?

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/11/nouri-al-maliki-iraq-forced-out-prime-minister
<snip>
In a major defeat for Maliki, Iraq's largest coalition of Shia political parties nominated Haider al-Abadi, a member of Maliki's Shia Islamist Dawa party, to take over as prime minister.

Iraq's Kurdish president, Fouad Massoum, formally announced Abadi's appointment soon afterwards. The move is likely to deepen Iraq's political turmoil and comes just hours after Maliki deployed his elite security troops on the streets of Baghdad.

It was unclear whether Maliki will now accept the president's decision or resist attempts to replace him. Abadi, the first deputy speaker of Iraq's parliament, is a member of Maliki's party, which in recent weeks has turned against the prime minister.

The new prime minister swiftly called on Iraqis to unite against the "barbaric" campaign waged by Isis. "We all have to co-operate to stand against this terrorist campaign launched on Iraq and to stop all terrorist groups," Abadi said in remarks broadcast on state television just after the president had asked him to form a government, according to Reuters.

Speaking on Sunday, the US secretary of state, John Kerry, warned Maliki to abide by the constitutional process and not to use his powers as head of the armed forces to cling to office.

No US interference at all - what a fugging mess.

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3. no interference at all, no U.S. imperialism

. . . avert your eyes and close your ears, lest you be accused of supporting the terrorist group du jour - or lectured on the history of Iraq.

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