Iraq: US Challenging Deal for New Government? (Dagher)

Last Friday, news emerged of a possible agreement amongst most Iraqi Shi'a parties, including that of cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, for a national government in Baghdad, seven months after Iraq's elections. Under the arrangement, Nuri al-Maliki would continue as Prime Minister.

Not so fast, at least for the US Ambassador to Baghdad. Six years ago, Washington entered into a war with Sadr and his forces, even seeking the cleric's assassination. Looks like those animosities may not have eased enough for American acceptance of a confirmed government for Iraq, especially when the "Iran" spectre is invoked.

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