InfoAnda - Elections are test for al-Maliki, Iraq

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Ga. centenarian voter lauded by Obama dies at 107 | 23 December 2009
Latvia's cyber 'Robin Hood' faces the law | 19 May 2010
Suu Kyi receives Nobel Peace Prize 21 years late | | 16 June 2012

NKorea suggests South plotted assassination bid | 19 December 2008

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Elections are test for al-Maliki, Iraq

Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Africa Europe Latin America Middle East North America Search Search: Elections are test for al-Maliki, Iraq By ROBERT H. REID,Associated Press Writer AP - Sunday, January 25 BAGHDAD - Iraqis vote Saturday in the first nationwide election in three years, choosing provincial leaders in what amounts to a test of Iraq's stability as the U.S. plans to remove its troops. In contrast to Iraq's three previous ballots since the U.S.-led invasion, which were held in the shadow of fierce fighting, this one is strikingly open. In Baghdad and elsewhere, streets are festooned with colorful election banners, and candidates _ many of them first-timers _ have taken advantage of better security to hold public meetings where voters pose questions on such nuts-and-bolts issues as housing shortages and rising prices. Although the races are local, the stakes are enormous _ both for Iraq and the United States. A credible election without significant violence would show that the security improvements of the past 18 months are taking hold. The outcome will also show which parties stand the best chance of success in parliamentary elections expected by the end of the year. However, a deeply flawed election, marred by violence and allegations of widespread fraud, would cast doubt over Iraq's future and could influence President Barack Obama's decision on how fast to remove the 142,000 American troops. Obama pledged during the presidential campaign to end America's role in the unpopular war and has ordered his national security team to prepare plans for a responsible withdrawal. U.S. officials warn that a hasty pullout could threaten Iraq's fragile security. Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, says the Pentagon is closely watching the elections because their outcome "will, I think, be a big indicator for 2009, which is a big year." U.S. and Iraqi officials have warned extremists may try to disrupt Saturday's vote and are planning heightened security, including banning vehicles on election day and closing airports and land borders. But officials expect a strong turnout _ possibly more than 70 percent of the 15 million eligible voters. Election officials expect final results within a few days. More than 14,400 candidates, about 3,900 of them women, are competing for 444 seats on ruling councils in 14 of the country's 18 provinces. So it could take weeks of dealmaking to determine which parties have gained control of key areas such as Baghdad, the oil-rich Shiite-dominated south and former insurgent strongholds of western Anbar province. The vote is also effectively a referendum on Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki personally as well as the entire Iraqi political establishment that has ruled since Saddam Hussein was toppled in 2003. Al-Maliki, a Shiite from a small political party, was widely seen as a weak and transitory leader when he took office in 2006 after Shiite and Kurdish parties withdrew their support for his predecessor. That began to change last year after government forces wrested control of Basra and parts of Baghdad from Shiite militias that had ruled the streets for years. Al-Maliki's government negotiated a new security agreement with the U.S. last year, setting a timeline for a U.S. withdrawal _ something that former President George W. Bush had long resisted. All that has significantly boosted al-Maliki's prestige among Iraqis anxious to end their country's turmoil. Al-Maliki isn't running, but his somber, stubbly-bearded face features on campaign posters throughout Iraq, and he has campaigned extensively, especially in the south where his followers are locked in a bitter fight with the country's biggest Shiite party, the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council. A strong showing by al-Maliki's Coalition of the State of Law would bolster him against political rivals, including Kurdish and Shiite parties that are nominally part of his ruling alliance but oppose him on key power-sharing issues. The Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council, which is part of his government, would like to take the premiership away from al-Maliki after this year's parliamentary elections. The council, which maintains ties to both Iran and the U.S., also wants to build a self-ruled region in the Shiite south modeled on the autonomous Kurdish administration in the north. Critics maintain a southern self-ruled region would fall under Iranian influence and could lead to the breakup of Iraq. Al-Maliki argues that the central government needs more power to defend and develop the country. Sunni and Shiite religious parties that have run the country for years are expected to face a stiff challenge from secular-minded candidates who claim the incumbents governed poorly and fomented religious divisions. Most commentators, however, believe the religious parties have the money and organization to maintain their hold on power, even if their grip is loosened. Elections will take place later in the three Kurdish-ruled provinces. In a fourth, the one surrounding oil-rich Kirkuk, their vote was postponed indefinitely because ethnic groups there could not agree on a power-sharing formula. Iraqis last elected leaders in January 2005, when the country was wracked by insurgency and Shiite-Sunni conflict nearly plunged the country into full-scale civil war. Sunnis boycotted that vote, handing Shiites and Kurds a disproportionate share of power, even in provinces with big Sunni communities. In the province that includes Mosul, where Sunnis are 60 percent of the population, minority Kurds won 31 of 41 council seats in the January 2005 balloting. Sunni insurgents are still active there, and U.S. military commanders believe they can be neutralized if the election is credible and gives Sunnis a fairer share of power. "They aren't going to be perfect elections," outgoing U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker said recently. "We all know that. But it is important that they be credible elections." Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Recommend this article Average (0 votes) Sign in to recommend this article » Most Recommended Stories » Related Articles: World Israeli official: Obama envoy coming to MideastAP - 22 minutes ago Schumer the unseen hand in NY Senate choiceAP - 30 minutes ago Hudson 'miracle' pilot gets hero's homecomingAFP - 59 minutes ago US Senate pick starts get-to-know-you tour in NYCAP - 1 hour 7 minutes ago Obama touts aid plan's impact on average AmericansAP - 1 hour 17 minutes ago Most Popular – World Viewed 'Dogs don't wear condoms,' says Baywatch star Anderson Ring of fire: Indian Ocean to see solar eclipse World crisis deepens as downturn bites in Asia Recession grips Britain for first time since 1991 Obama to mull budget, stimulus with economic team View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular

Other News on Sunday, 25 January 2009
U.S. troops kill Iraqi couple and wound daughter
Iraq to reopen notorious Abu Ghraib prison
Macintosh computers hitting stride at age 25
Storm kills 15 in Spain, France | International |
US-led troops kill 15 'militants', Afghans say were civilians
Craig Robinson Serves Minimal Laughs But Sparks Interest In Band Nasty Delicious
Obama promotes economic stimulus plan
Congo says kills Rwandan Hutu rebels, awaits Nkunda | International |
Three killed in Scottish avalanche | International |
Tasmanian devils threatened by contagious cancer
Facts about the endangered Tasmanian devil
Vatican official accuses Obama of 'arrogance'
Indian PM has successful heart surgery
Indian prime minister has successful heart surgery
Israeli official: Obama envoy coming to Mideast
US, Afghan villagers differ over 15 killed in raid
Pakistan urges Obama to halt missile attacks
Indian prime minister's heart surgery successful
Undercover Baltimore Cop Shot Twice In The Jaw
Son of NKorea's Kim has 'no interest' in taking over: report
Taiwan children get sneak preview of pandas
Indian police arrest two Pricewaterhouse officials: reports
China's central bank denies manipulating currency
Obama envoy expected in Middle East next week
Gaza children return to school after war
Bird flu confirmed on Canada turkey farm | International |
Obama weekly address sparks lively debate on YouTube
Hurricane-force winds kill 15 in Spain, France
Elections are test for al-Maliki, Iraq
Hudson 'miracle' pilot gets hero's homecoming
Italy may put '10 times' more troops in cities: Berlusconi
Iraq holds 4th post-Saddam vote
Roman Catholic traditionalists welcome Vatican decree
Turkey urges EU to lift political hurdles in accession talks
Russia says 'ice broken' in chilly NATO relations
Saudi prince: US-Saudi ties at risk if no peace
Dutch club FC Twente make offer for Rukavytsya
Kenzo shows strength in menswear at Paris shows
Bahamas senator accused in Travolta plot resigns
Beauties vie for Miss America crown in Las Vegas
EU meets key Mideast players hoping to kick start peace moves
Chinese gear up to welcome Year of the Ox | International |
Child matador kills six bulls in Mexico
British minister signals troops, equipment boost in Afghanistan
Britain's House of Lords to probe bribe claims
Two suspected militants killed near India capital | International |
Lonely Thaksin vows to keep fighting for Thailand | International |
Russian church prepares to elect new patriarch
North Korean leader's eldest son could still be heir: analysts | International |
Relatives seek missing in Mexico corpse horror | International |
Indian PM Singh makes rapid progress after surgery | International |
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,232
Sri Lanka says it has captured 2 rebel bomb plants
"Lonely" Thaksin vows to keep fighting for Thailand
Ousted Thaksin accuses new Thai PM of copying him
Suicide bomber kills 1, wounds 8 in Afghanistan
Indian police kill two 'Pakistan militants' near Delhi
Two suspected militants killed near Indian capital
Mugabe's daughter studying at Hong Kong University: report
Australian PM to attend Pacific summit
Report: Small earthquake hits northwestern China
Hopes fade for last whale stranded in Australia
Obama's tough yuan stance unlikely to sway China
India's outsourcing sector faces bleak outlook: analysts
Bank-born crisis engulfs workers worldwide
In Philippines, even the Church feels financial pinch
Push claims top prizes at Sundance | Entertainment |
Japan's Nomura to book 3.4 bln dlr loss for Oct-Dec quarter: report
Slumdog claims Hollywood producers' top prize | Entertainment |
Hollywood actors could upset awards apple cart | Entertainment |
Sundance films shine spotlight on global struggles | Entertainment |
Atheism 2.0 -- Indonesia's nonbelievers find refuge online
"Slumdog" claims Hollywood producers' top prize
Hollywood actors could upset awards apple cart
Hong Kong to produce 'world's first 3D sex movie': report
"Slumdog" claims Hollywood producers' top prize
Hollywood actors could upset awards apple cart
Southpaw Obama leads from the left
Obama 'brand' stimulates big merchandise sales
"Push" claims top prizes at Sundance
List of 2009 Sundance Film Festival awards winners
Brazilian model who lost hands and feet dies
Scots to commemorate 250 years since poet Burns's birth
Israel promises troops legal backing over Gaza war
International court starts first war crimes trial | International |
Nine Turkish police arrested in coup probe
Israel promises troops legal backing over Gaza war | International |
Afghans protest against U.S. on civilian deaths report | International |
Japan's Nomura to post $3.4bln loss in Q4: report
China's New Year rush puts trains in line for cash | International |
U.S. missiles don't help Pakistan war effort | International |
France and Spain pick up pieces after deadly storm | International |
Sri Lankan troops inside last big Tiger town | International |
S.Africa court to set Zuma trial date: report | International |
Indonesia's top Islamic body weighs up smoking ban | International |
Women's basketball event excites war-weary Somalis | International |
For President Obama, 'so-far, so good'
At least 40 drown in Vietnam boat tragedy
Tight security in Kashmir ahead of Indian holiday
Indonesian smoking ban debate ends in deadlock
Pakistan takes over main center of suspect charity
Indian police kill 2 suspected Pakistani militants
Global crisis dampens Chinese New Year celebrations
Last whale stranded in Australia dies
China says 29-year old man sick with bird flu
Malaysia lawyers urge independent probe into death in custody
China's New Year rush puts trains in line for cash
Reports: Nomura to post record 3Q net loss
Japan's Toyota to cut production by 20%: report
Nissan chief says auto market to shrink 14%
2 Price Waterhouse employees arrested in India
Economic gloom dampens China's Lunar New Year celebrations
Indonesia's top Islamic body weighs up smoking ban
Redefining trousers, or casting them off altogether?
`Slumdog Millionaire' snags top producer award
Blame game as Mexico City trash piles up
'Push', 'We Live in Public' top Sundance prizes
Top Anglican calls for BBC to air Gaza appeal
Angry protests over 16 dead Afghan civilians
Airbus chief sees 50-60% drop in world aircraft sales
Israel to protect its soldiers from war crimes charges
'We Live in Public', 'Push' win top Sundance prizes
Egypt, Hamas discuss 'lasting' truce with Israel
Iceland commerce minister quits | International |
Ten climbers killed in Turkey avalanche
Chinese give Year of the Ox a noisy welcome | International |
S.Africa says can tackle cholera outbreak | International |
China dams reveal flaws in climate-change weapon
How the Clean Development Mechanism works
China dams reveal flaws in climate-change weapon
Vietnam ferry accident kills 40, mars Tet new year
Sri Lanka troops overrun last Tiger town: army chief
Thai minister to discuss temple dispute in Cambodia
Chinese give Year of the Ox a noisy welcome
David Koresh's Mother Stabbed To Death
Update: Man With AK-47 Responsible For Friday Shooting In Miami
Afghan president: US forces killed 16 civilians
Blagojevich Hires PR Firm To Save Name
Hudson Pilot Gets A Hero's Welcome At Home
China to help job-seeking graduates
Vintage WWII Bombs Discovered Inside U.S. Embassy
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01