The Man With Toughest Job In The Middle East

Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki says the Baghdad security plan is going in the right direction despite the challenges. (File photo) (AFP: AFP PHOTO HADI MIZBAN) (Photo from ABC.net)

Hopes, Fears And The Way Ahead From Man With Toughest Job In Middle East -- Times Online

Nouri al-Maliki, the Iraqi leader, talks to The Times about how he will shape his country and move towards a truly independent state

It would be a grave mistake to judge Nouri al-Maliki on first appearances. The Iraqi leader may wear a pinstripe suit and tie, have gold-rimmed spectacles and project the sober, serious appearance of a bank manager, but nobody in this chaotic and violent country is in any doubt that the 58-year-old is the man in charge.

Some speak of him as Iraq’s salvation, others complain that he is too authoritarian. Nobody in politics ignores him. “I never enjoy it,” the Iraqi leader toldThe Times, with a dismissive shake of the head, complaining about probably the toughest job in the Middle East. He insisted that he never chose to be Prime Minister and will not seek reelection next year unless he is asked to serve another term.

Those who have seen him perform are convinced that he will still be at Iraq’s helm for some time to come. When he was selected as a compromise candidate two and a half years ago, no one would have rated his chances of success. He was a largely unknown quantity, some suspected that he did not have the physical stamina nor the political muscle to survive the treacherous world of Iraqi politics, then in the grip of a vicious sectarian war. But he has proved his detractors wrong.

Read more ....

My Comment: He has a job that I certainly would not want.