Iraq’s al-Sadr Joins Forces With Iran-Backed Coalition To Form A New Government

Announcement comes exactly one month after an election marred by historically low turnout and fraud allegations [Alaa al-Marjani/Reuters]

Al Jazeera: Iraq's Sadr announces political alliance with pro-Iranian bloc

The move is the first serious step towards forming a new government in Iraq after weeks of negotiations between parties.

Iraq's Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr has announced a surprise alliance with pro-Iranian political bloc led by Hadi al-Amiri in a bid to form government after last month's elections resulted in a hung parliament.

At a joint press conference with Amiri in the Shia holy city of Najaf on Tuesday, Sadr hailed the formation of "a true alliance to accelerate the formation of a national government away from any dogmatism".

The move by Sadr, who is opposed to Iranian involvement in the country, is the first serious step towards forming a new government after weeks of negotiations between parties.

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WNU Editor: Worries among the Kurds and Sunni Arabs on this coalition has just gone off the scale.

More News On Iraq’s al-Sadr Joining Forces With An Iran-Backed Coalition To Form A New Government

Iraq’s al-Sadr joins forces with Iran-backed coalition -- AP
Iraq's Sadr and Amiri set to lead talks on new government -- Reuters
Iraq's Sadr forms surprise alliance with pro-Iran coalition -- UPI
Iraq's Sadr announces alliance with pro-Iranian Ameri -- AFP
Shi'ite Leaders In Iraq Form Unexpected, Pro-Iran Political Alliance -- RFE
Moqtada Al Sadr and Hadi Al Amiri to form political alliance -- The National
Iraqi Shia leaders Sadr and Amiri announce post-election political alliance -- Middle East Eye