Iraq crisis: New Prime Minister named, but Nouri al-Maliki refuses to stand down without a fight

[Jefferson23]

Iraq’s new President appointed Haider al-Abadi as the Prime Minister today, damaging the hopes of Nouri al Maliki of serving a third term in the position and raising the possibility of civil conflict in Baghdad, even as militants threaten the capital.

Mr Maliki is reluctant to give up his ambition despite military defeat and the Shia coalition turning against him.

“I think Maliki is finished politically, but he still has military units and officials who are loyal to him personally,” said an Iraqi commentator. He cautioned that Mr Maliki should not be written off too soon. The inability of Iraq to find a new leader in the two months since Isis, which styles itself Islamic State, captured Mosul has prevented an effective response to its victories. The US has congratulated the new Prime Minister.

In brief remarks delivered from his holiday residence in Martha's Vineyard, President Barack Obama said he and Vice President Joe Biden had spoken with Mr al-Ibadi.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/new-iraqi-pm-named-but-nouri-al-maliki-refuses-to-stand-down-without-a-fight-9662713.html