WTF!!!

Kind of makes you feel it was all worth the sacrifice now, doesn't it?


Iraq set to acquire pro-Iran government

Iraq is set to acquire a new government following a power sharing deal, which underscores Iran's growing influence in Baghdad.

Incumbent Prime Minister, Nouri Al Maliki, whose State of Law bloc won 89 seats will continue for a second term in office. With the 70-seat support coming recently from the former rival–turned-ally, Moqtada Al Sadr, Mr. Maliki had already edged close to the mark of 163 seats required to form a new government. Mr. Maliki's tenure for a second term was secured when the Kurdish alliance of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) decided to pool in its 43 seats in favour of the Shia combine.

The Iraqi Parliament that was set to convene on Thursday evening only for a second time since the March 7 elections is expected to pick Osama Al Nujaifi of the Iraqiya party as the Speaker. Addressing the media ahead of the Parliament session, Kurdish leader Massoud Bazani said President Jalal Talabani of the PUK would get a second term in office. Mr. Iyad Allawi, whose Iraqiya party secured 91seats, will head the Council of Strategic Policy, a new body which apparently can keep a check on the Prime Minister's powers.

Analysts point out that Iran had played a crucial role in forging the united Shia alliance, the key to the formation of the new government.

Link:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article880127.ece