Iraq’s ‘Unity’ Govt Looks Shaky

Allawi, Maliki Trade Barbs in Public as Iraqiya Eyes No Confidence Vote

Iraq’s “unity” coalition government has been in dire straits virtually from its formation. The open condemnations had slowed down recently, but seem to be picking up again as the State of Law and Iraqiya blocs trade condemnations.

The issues are largely the same as they have been for months – Prime Minister Maliki has retained control over the nation’s security infrastructure and has failed to fill key ministerial positions that would spread the power among his party’s partners.

Former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi was supposed to chair a new council, which was never given any power. Maliki has condemned Allawi’s repeated complaints, saying they show he has a bad attitude.

Allawi’s Iraqiya bloc won the March 2010 election but was eventually relegated to a minor position in the unity govt, largely amid US and Iranian backing for Maliki’s second term. Iraqiya MPs are now suggesting that they will ignore international pressure if the situation does not improve, and move forward with a vote of “no confidence,” which could force early elections.

Author: Jason Ditz

Jason Ditz is Senior Editor for Antiwar.com. He has 20 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in The American Conservative, Responsible Statecraft, Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times, and the Detroit Free Press.