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August 11, 2014

U.S. Signals Discontent as Maliki Challenges President, Deploys Forces 
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In his comments, Obama renewed his vow to prevent a return of U.S.
combat forces to Iraq. He also kept up his call for Iraqi leaders in
Baghdad to adopt a more inclusive government. But as Obama called for an
end to Iraq's political deadlock, tensions in Baghdad only grew. On
Sunday, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said he would file a
complaint against Iraqi President Fouad Massoum for failing to meet a
deadline to nominate a new prime minister, which Maliki said should have
come from his political bloc. Maliki also hinted at plans to run for a
third term, defying calls for him to step aside for a new leader to
repair Iraq's sectarian divisions. Maliki has also reportedly deployed
extra units of loyalist troops around key areas of Baghdad, fueling
speculation he is seeking to avert a potential coup. In what could be
the clearest indication to date that the Obama administration has broken
with Maliki, the State Department issued a statement Sunday saying it
"fully supports" the Iraqi president, Fouad Massoum. The statement
continues: "We reaffirm our support for a process to select a Prime
Minister who can represent the aspirations of the Iraqi people by
building a national consensus and governing in an inclusive manner."

 

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