Iraq Faces Political Crisis as America Gets Back In

BAGHDAD — Iraq's new president on Monday snubbed the powerful incumbent Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and nominated the deputy parliament speaker to form the new government, raising fears of more political infighting as country faces the threat of Islamic State militants in the north.

In a televised address, President Fouad Massoum gave Haider al-Ibadi, who was selected by a coalition of Shiite political parties, 30 days to form a new government and present it to parliament for approval.

See also: How Obama Helped Extremism Grow in Iraq

The ceremony came hours after the embattled al-Maliki delivered a surprise speech at midnight accusing Massoum of blocking his reappointment as prime minister and carrying out "a coup against the constitution and the political process." Read more...

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