Thursday, October 12, 2006
Al-Maliki may lose his position as violence increases
Politics
The fate of the Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki hangs in the balance, as a result of the deteriorating security situation in Baghdad. This development comes in the wake of increasing talk in Iraqi political circles about the near departure of Al Maliki, because of the collapsed security situation. Sources close to Adnan Al Dulaimi, the chairman of the Sunni Conciliation Front, who met up with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice during her last visit to Baghdad a few days ago, told Gulf News: "Al Dulaimi told Rice that Al Maliki's good intentions were not enough.
Al Maliki is under tremendous pressure from his political bloc. The Shiite coalition wants Al Maliki to intensify huge security operations to crush armed groups, putting an end to the declining security situation. The Sunni political forces want Al Maliki to hit the armed militias. It is also said in Iraqi political circles that Rice mentioned the establishment of a National Rescue Government if sectarian strife continues to escalate.
Al Maliki has two options: one is to offer more concessions towards dialogue with Baathists and former-regime figures in the upcoming reconciliation conference. The Minister of State in Al Maliki's government told Gulf News the Prime Minister might issue new pardons, but releasing key figures from the former regime is out of the question. The second option is accelerating devastating strikes to armed groups. This may help in improving the security situation.
The Jordanian Al Rai newspaper's polls in Baghdad say sectarian strife has increased the popularity of Eyad Allawi (the former Prime Minister). Many believe he is the right man to control the deteriorating security situation in Iraq. Allawi, who is open to the idea of dialogue with the Baathists, may strengthen the chances of the reconciliation success. In addition Allawi greatly opposes the activities of armed militias.
Al Maliki is under tremendous pressure from his political bloc. The Shiite coalition wants Al Maliki to intensify huge security operations to crush armed groups, putting an end to the declining security situation. The Sunni political forces want Al Maliki to hit the armed militias. It is also said in Iraqi political circles that Rice mentioned the establishment of a National Rescue Government if sectarian strife continues to escalate.
Al Maliki has two options: one is to offer more concessions towards dialogue with Baathists and former-regime figures in the upcoming reconciliation conference. The Minister of State in Al Maliki's government told Gulf News the Prime Minister might issue new pardons, but releasing key figures from the former regime is out of the question. The second option is accelerating devastating strikes to armed groups. This may help in improving the security situation.
The Jordanian Al Rai newspaper's polls in Baghdad say sectarian strife has increased the popularity of Eyad Allawi (the former Prime Minister). Many believe he is the right man to control the deteriorating security situation in Iraq. Allawi, who is open to the idea of dialogue with the Baathists, may strengthen the chances of the reconciliation success. In addition Allawi greatly opposes the activities of armed militias.
