Iraq's Political Crisis Continues

Iraq President Asks Abadi To Succeed PM Nouri Maliki -- BBC

Iraq's president has asked the deputy speaker of parliament, Haider al-Abadi, to form a new government.

Mr Abadi had previously been nominated prime minister by Shia parties, instead of the incumbent Nouri Maliki.

But Mr Maliki said Mr Abadi's nomination was a "violation of the constitution". Mr Maliki has made it clear he wants a third term in office.

Meanwhile the jihadist insurgency in the north of Iraq continues to cause international concern.

Fighters from the Islamic State (IS) group have made substantial gains in northern Iraq in recent months, forcing tens of thousands of people from religious minorities to flee their homes.

The US has begun supplying weapons to the Kurdish Peshmergas who are fighting the militants, senior US officials have told the Associated Press.

Read more ....

More News On The Crisis In Iraq

Iraqi President nominates new prime minister -- CNN
Iraq president names deputy speaker new PM, raises fears of political crisis -- AP
Obama says Iraq took promising step with new PM-designate -- Reuters
Obama welcomes move to name Iraq's new PM -- Al Jazeera
Obama Pledges Support for a New Iraqi Leader -- New York Times
US’ Kerry Welcomes Abadi’s Nomination as New Prime Minister -- RIA Novosti
U.N. chief welcomes moves toward creating new Iraq government -- Reuters
Profile: Haider al-Abadi, Iraqi PM in waiting -- BBC
Power struggle on Baghdad streets as Maliki replaced but refuses to go -- Reuters
Iraq PM defiant in face of resignation calls -- Al Jazeera
Defiant Maliki criticizes decision to name new Iraqi PM -- Reuters
State Dept.: Al-Maliki's moves not a coup -- The Hill
UK warns of humanitarian crisis in Iraq -- AP
'Heroic' mission rescues desperate Yazidis from ISIS -- CNN
'A catastrophe': Yazidi survivor recalls horror of evading ISIS and death -- CNN
Kurdish Forces Take Back Two Towns Occupied by Militants in Iraq – Reports -- RIA Novosti