Iraq Severs Diplomatic Ties With Sweden Over Quran Burning

 

FOX News: Iraq severs diplomatic ties with Sweden over anti-Quran demonstration as protesters storm Baghdad embassy  

Images show protesters scaling walls of Swedish Embassy in Iraq 

Iraq has severed diplomatic ties with Sweden Thursday after a planned anti-Quran demonstration unfolded in Stockholm, during which an individual stepped on and kicked the Islamic holy book and Iraqi flag. 

The move came after images emerged of protesters storming the Swedish embassy in Baghdad for the second time in less than a month, lighting a small fire and sending plumes of smoke into the air. 

The demonstrator in the Swedish capital Thursday – identified in Swedish media as Salwan Momika, an Iraqi of Christian origin who lives in Sweden as a self-identified atheist – had threatened to burn a copy of the Quran, according to The Associated Press. But he did not do so.  

Read more ....  

Update: Iraq expels Swedish ambassador over planned burning of Qur’an in Stockholm (Reuters)  

WNU Editor: Sweden's embassy in Baghdad was lit on fire on Tuesday .... Outrage over man who desecrated Quran prompts protesters to set Swedish Embassy in Iraq on fire (AP). More here .... Swedish Embassy In Baghdad Burned As Iraqis Storm Compound Over Planned Quran-Burning (Zero Hedge).  

Update: Sweden is withdrawing its embassy staff .... Sweden temporarily withdraws Iraq embassy staff after storming (AP). More here .... Swedish embassy in Iraq relocates after attack over Quran burning (Al Jazeera).

Iraq's Parliament Elects A New President Ending A Year Of Political Deadlock

 

News 360: Iraq’s Parliament elects Kurdish Abdelatif Rashid as the country’s new president 

Iraq's Parliament on Thursday elected Abdelatif Rashid, candidate of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, as the country's new president after beating his rival, Barham Sali, in a secret ballot held more than a year after the parliamentary elections that took place in October 2021. 

The victory of Rashid, who has garnered more than 162 votes against 99 for Sali, candidate of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and current president of the country, comes after he beat his opponent in a first ballot but fell short of the two-thirds majority required to secure the post, as reported by the state news agency NINA. 

 Iraq's Prime Minister Mostafa al-Kazemi congratulated Rashid, who previously served as Minister of Water Resources between 2003 and 2010, on his official Twitter profile.  

Read more .... 

 Iraq's Parliament Elects A New President Ending A Year Of Political Deadlock  

Iraq gets new president and prime minister after year of deadlock -- AFP 

Iraqi parliament elects Abdul Latif Rashid as new president -- Al Jazeera 

Iraq's parliament elects a president as rockets fall on Baghdad -- Washington Post

Iraq names new president, paving way for new government -- Reuters 

Iraq names new president and prime minister, ending a year of political deadlock -- CNN  

Iraqi parliament elects Abdul Latif Rashid as new president -- Axios  

Hope for stability as Iraqi parliament elects president -- The Guardian  

Iraqis fear another false dawn after politicians break year-long deadlock -- BBC 

Iraq's new president Latif Rashid, veteran Kurdish politician -- RFI 

Iraq’s new prime minister-designate: Who is Mohammed al-Sudani? -- Al Jazeera

Iraqi Cleric Sadr Calls On Followers To End Their Protests And To Withdraw

 

Middle East Eye: Iraq: Sadr followers end protests after cleric calls on them to withdraw  

Military ends nationwide curfew after influential cleric entreats supporters to retreat from Baghdad's Green Zone and apologises for violence 

Supporters of Muqtada al-Sadr, carrying guns and driving tuk-tuk vehicles, have begun withdrawing from Baghdad's Green Zone after the influential Shia cleric called on Tuesday for them to end their actions. 

Following the move, the Iraqi military's Joint Operations Command said it had been decided to lift the nationwide curfew in the capital Baghdad and other provinces, following two days of violence. 

During a news conference in Najaf, Sadr ordered his followers to end their protests, sparked by his withdrawal from politics on Monday, and apologised to Iraqis after 28 people were killed in clashes.  

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Iraqi Cleric Sadr Calls On Followers To End Their Protests And To Withdraw  

Iraqis heed cleric’s plea to leave streets after clashes -- AP  

Iraqi cleric Sadr calls off protests after worst Baghdad violence in years -- Reuters  

Iraq: Tense calm in Baghdad after cleric issues appeal -- BBC  

Powerful Iraqi cleric tells supporters to stand down after day of deadly violence in Baghdad -- CNN

Iraq’s Sadr orders followers to end protests after violence -- Al Jazeera  

Baghdad, Iraq violence leaves at least 30 dead, cleric tells protesters to withdraw -- FOX News  

EXPLAINER: What spurred the bloody armed clashes in Baghdad? -- AP

Iraq In Chaos After Political Leader Moqtada al-Sadr Announces His Retirement From Politics

 

BBC: Buildings stormed after Moqtada al-Sadr, Iraqi political leader, retires 

One of Iraq's most powerful figures, who has been at the centre of a long crisis over forming a government, says he is retiring from political life. 

Moqtada al-Sadr, a firebrand Shia cleric with millions of followers, announced his decision on Twitter. 

Several people were reported killed in clashes after his supporters stormed the presidential palace. 

Hundreds have been camped outside parliament for weeks after previously storming it in protest at the deadlock. 

Mr Sadr's announcement comes two days after he called for all parties and figures involved in political life following the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq to quit.  

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WNU Editor: It looks like a full implosion of the Iraqi government is now underway .... Full Implosion Overnight In 'Green Zone' As Baghdad Threatens To Become Next Kabul (Zero Hedge). 

Iraq In Chaos After Political Leader Moqtada al-Sadr Announces His Retirement From Politics  

Clashes erupt after Iraqi Shiite cleric resigns, 15 dead -- AP  

Clashes kill 10 as Iraq's Sadr quits politics, loyalists storm complex -- Reuters  

Deadly violence in Baghdad after cleric says he is quitting politics -- The Guardian 

Clashes kill 10 as loyalists of Iraq's Moqtada al-Sadr storm government building following his departure from politics -- ABC News Australia 

Several killed in clashes in Baghdad's Green Zone after powerful cleric announces withdrawal from politics -- CNN  

Iraq chaos as al-Sadr supporters storm Green Zone after he quits -- Al Jazeera

Protesters storm presidential palace (VIDEOS) -- RT

Iraq's Political Crisis Continues. Iraqi Sadrist Protesters Storm Parliament

 

Euronews/AP: Al-Sadr followers protest in Iraq's parliament against Iran-backed PM candidate 

Hundreds of Iraqi protesters breached Baghdad's Green Zone parliament on Wednesday chanting anti-Iran curses in a demonstration against a nominee for prime minister by Tehran-backed parties. 

Most of the protesters were said to be followers of influential Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. 

The demonstrators were seen singing and waving Iraqi flags, while some walked on tables on the parliament floor, leafed through folders, and sat in lawmakers' chairs. 

The incident raised the stakes in the political struggle for Iraq nearly 10 months after federal elections.  

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WNU Editor: It has been almost 20 years since the US invasion of Iraq, and the chaos just continues. 

 Iraq's Political Crisis Continues 

Followers of cleric enter Iraqi parliament in show of force -- AP  

Hundreds of protesters storm Iraq parliament in support of cleric Moqtada al-Sadr -- The Guardian/AFP  

Iraqi Sadrist protesters storm parliament -- Al-Monitor

Iraqi protesters break into parliament denouncing the nomination of new premier -- CNN 

Supporters of populist cleric storm Baghdad's Green Zone over rival's PM nomination -- UPI  

Pro-Iranian groups, mass protests erode Iraq's stability - analysis -- Jerusalem Post  

Iraq’s political chaos: Why did protesters storm the parliament? -- Al Jazeera

Chaotic Scenes As Iraq’s New Parliament Holds First Session

 

Al Jazeera: Chaotic scenes as Iraq’s new parliament holds first session  

The speaker selection process was disrupted as competing political blocs claimed to hold a parliamentary majority. 

Iraq’s new parliament has re-elected its speaker for a second term, the first step towards forming a new government after a general election whose results have been contested by powerful Iran-backed factions. 

In a reflection of the tensions, the new parliament’s first session on Sunday was marked by disarray, with the eldest member, Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, being evacuated to the hospital after falling ill. 

The chaotic meeting ushers in what is likely to be a lengthy period of political wrangling among rival groups to choose a new president and a prime minister. 

As the leader of the biggest bloc, Shia leader Moqtada al-Sadr has the upper hand in forming a new government. But he will have to manage tensions with rival Shia groups that continue to reject the election results and are demanding to have a say in the government formation process.  

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Update #1: New Iraqi Parliament's 1st Session Marked by Disarray (AP)  

Update #2: Iraq's new parliament elects speaker in first step towards establishing a govt (Reuters)  

WNU Editor: Another Iraqi parliamentary opening session. Another day of chaos. It looks like nothing has changed.

2 Rockets Hit Baghdad's Fortified Green Zone

JUST IN - Rocket attack: U.S. air defenses engage targets over the Green Zone in Baghdad, Iraq.pic.twitter.com/RU8WN5QVkP

— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) December 19, 2021

VOA: 2 Rockets Hit Baghdad's Fortified Green Zone, Iraqi Report Says 

CAIRO — Two Katyusha rockets hit Baghdad's fortified Green Zone, Iraq's state news agency reported early on Sunday, citing security forces. 

One rocket was destroyed in the air by the C-RAM defense system and the other landed near the zone's festivals arena, damaging two cars, the report added. 

There were no immediate reports of casualties. Security forces started an investigation to detect the launch site, the agency reported.  

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Update #1: Two rockets fired towards US embassy in Baghdad (Jerusalem Post)  

Update #2: US air defenses respond to rockets targeting Baghdad’s Green Zone (RT)  

WNU Editor: Never a dull day in Baghdad.

Assassination Attempt On Iraqi PM Al Kadhimi Condemned Around The World

 

The National: ‘Cowardly terrorist attack’ on Iraqi PM Al Kadhimi condemned around the world  

Mustafa Al Kadhimi survived the drone attack on his home early on Sunday 

The international community has condemned the assassination attempt on Iraq’s Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi, with the UAE describing it as “cowardly” and the US condemning it as a “terrorist” act. 

Although Mr Al Kadhimi escaped with only an injured wrist, images showed the destruction at his home caused by the explosive-laden drone after a week of escalating tension. 

Mr Al Kadhimi said after chairing a security meeting on Sunday that those behind an attempt on his life were well known and would be exposed.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Joe Biden and UN chief condemn drone assassination attempt on Iraqi prime minister: Photos show devastation caused by attack on Mustafa al-Kadhimi (Daily Mail)  

Update #2: Russia vehemently condemns assassination plot targeting Iraqi PM — Foreign Ministry (TASS)  

WNU Editor: Iraq's PM says he knows who is responsible for this attack .... Iraq's Al Kadhimi: We know the perpetrators behind assassination attempt (The National). More here .... Iran-backed militia behind attack on Iraqi PM -security officials, sources (Jerusalem Post/Reuters). It also looks like Iran is doing damage control .... Powerful Iranian general visited Iraq after attack on PM (AP).

Iraqi Prime Minister Survives Drone Assassination Attempt At His Home In Baghdad's Green Zone

FILE PHOTO: Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi casts his vote at the polling station at the Green Zone in Baghdad, as Iraqis go to the polls to vote in the parliamentary election, in Iraq, October 10, 2021. © REUTERS/Ahmed Saad  

BBC: Iraqi PM al-Kadhimi survives Baghdad 'assassination attempt' 

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi has said he escaped unhurt after an attack on his home in the capital Baghdad. 

Officials said his residence in the capital's Green Zone was targeted by a drone laden with explosives, in an alleged assassination attempt. 

Earlier media reports said Mr al-Kadhimi had been taken to hospital. In a tweet, he called for "calm and restraint from everyone, for the sake of Iraq". 

Officials said at least six people from the prime minister's security detail were injured. No-one has claimed responsibility for the attack, in an area of the city housing many government buildings and foreign embassies.  

Read more .... 

More News On Iraq's PM Surviving An Assassination Attempt  

Iraqi officials: Prime minister survives assassination bid -- AP  

Drone attack targets Iraq PM, who escapes unhurt, says military -- Reuters  

Iraqi Prime Minister survives drone strike as explosion rocks his residence in Baghdad's heavily-fortified Green Zone -- Daily Mail  

Exploding drone assassination attempt on Iraqi PM fails -- The Guardian  

Iraq prime minister survives 'explosives-laden drone' assassination attempt -- SKY News  

Iraq PM Mustafa al-Kadhimi escapes unhurt after drone laden with explosives targets his residence -- Zee News  

Drone hits home of Iraqi PM in ‘failed assassination attempt’ amid election protests -- RT

Iran-Backed Militias Battle Activists In The Holy Iraqi City Of Karbala

New York Times: ‘There Is Chaos’; Iran-Backed Militias Battle Activists in a Holy Iraqi City 

KARBALA, Iraq — One night in May, Samira Abbas Kadhim was up late, waiting for her son. She poked her head out of the gate of their small house, looking for him down the narrow street. 

Five minutes later, as she was in the kitchen, he was shot dead half a block away. 

Her son, Ehab al-Wazni, was one of dozens of antigovernment protest leaders believed to have been killed by militia fighters and security forces since the demonstrations escalated two years ago. 

But his killing stands out as a particularly brazen attack that has rattled his home city, Karbala, the site of some of the holiest sites in Shiite Islam and once considered one of the safest cities in Iraq.  

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WNU Editor: This Iraqi internal conflict will soon not be an issue for the US military .... US agrees to withdraw combat troops from Iraq (War Is Boring).

Drones Attack A US Faciltiy Near Baghdad International Airport

© Sputnik / Vitaly Belousov  

Spuntik: Three Drones Attacked US State Department Facility Near Baghdad Airport, Officials Say 

Several drones attacked a US facility near Baghdad International Airport early on Thursday morning, according to local security officials, who said the same group attacked another base 40 miles north of Baghdad just hours earlier. 

According to the statement by the Security Media Cell of the Iraqi prime minister's office, "an outlaw group" that had attacked Balad Air Base north of Baghdad with three rockets on Wednesday had "returned again late on Wednesday night and targeted Baghdad Airport."  

The office said three drones had attacked Camp Victory, a sprawling former US military installation surrounding Baghdad airport that still houses US forces. One of the drones was reportedly shot down.  

Read more ....

Update: Baghdad Airport Attack Carried Out With "Booby-Trapped Drone" (Al Arabiya/AFP/Reuters)  

WNU Editor: Hours before this airport attack multiple rockets were fired targeting Iraqi military bases housing U.S. troops and foreign contractors .... Missiles target U.S. troops, contractors in Iraqi army bases (AP). More here .... Rockets hit near U.S. forces and contractors in Iraq in separate attacks -officials (Reuters).

Iraq's President Says That $150 Billion Of Its Oil Money Has Been Stolen From The Country Since The US-Led Invasion Of 2003

CNN: Iraq estimates that $150 billion of its oil money has been stolen from the country since the US-led invasion of 2003 

Baghdad, Iraq (CNN)An estimated $150 billion of stolen money has been smuggled out of Iraq in corrupt deals since the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, Iraqi President Barham Salih said Sunday. 

"Of the close to a thousand billion dollars made from oil since 2003, an estimated $150 billion of stolen money has been smuggled out of Iraq," Salih said in a televised speech. 

The statement came as the Iraqi President submitted a draft Corrupt Funds Recovery Act to the Iraqi Parliament.

"The draft law seeks to strengthen the powers of Iraqi nation in order to recover money stolen in corrupt deals, to hold corrupt people accountable and bring them to justice," according to Salih.  

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WNU Editor: Corruption in Iraq!?!?!?! I am shocked!!!!

Where Has Iraq's Oil Wealth Gone?

 

WNU Editor: In the above YouTube's commentary thread the overwhelming blame is put on the U.S.. Like Venezuela (who also blames the U.S. for the disappearance of their oil wealth), the problem is more internal. A culture of corruption, red tape, and incompetence coupled with political instability are not conducive to develop and grow an economy. A lesson that Iraq knows but does little to correct.

Iraq's Dire Economic Situation Is Raising Fears Of More Instability

"Now, because of the rise of the dollar and the pensions people aren't receiving, there are two classes of people," says Saad Salman, the owner of a Baghdad sweet shop. "A poor class and a rich class." Alice Fordham/NPR 

NPR: In Iraq's 'Dire' Economy, Poverty Is Rising — And So Are Fears Of Instability 

With the gold domes of the famed Kadhimiya shrine as a backdrop, nearby streets full of shops, markets and tea-sellers in Baghdad look bustling and vibrant, even at night. Tempting windows display sparkly clothes and cascades of candy in rainbow colors. 

But shopkeepers say no one has been buying much since Iraq devalued its dinar against the dollar last year. 

"Regarding the economic situation and the rise of the dollar — it destroyed the people," says Saad Salman, the owner of one of the sweet shops. "Purchasing power has fallen. Someone who used to buy a kilogram, now they buy half a kilogram, you know?" 

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: The collapse of oil prices and the Iraqi government going broke has been disastrous .... IMF says Iraq seeking emergency loans after oil price plunge (Al Jazeera)

Facing A Financial Disaster, Iraq Requests Emergency IMF Loans

Iraq devalued its dinar currency last month after a collapse in global oil prices, an important source of Iraq's financial resources [File: Essam Al-Sudani/Reuters] 

Al Jazeera: IMF says Iraq seeking emergency loans after oil price plunge 

Iraqi government is reportedly seeking $6bn in loans, with possibility of a further $4bn, according to finance minister. 

Iraq has requested emergency assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and talks are ongoing between the parties, the IMF said. Iraqi Finance Minister Ali Allawi told the Bloomberg news agency earlier that Iraq was in talks with the IMF for a $6bn loan package. 

Read more .... 

Update #1: IMF says Iraq has requested emergency assistance, talks ongoing (Reuters) 

Update #2: Cash-Strapped Iraq in Talks With IMF on $6 Billion Loan Package (Bloomberg) 

WNU Editor: A good portion of the Iraqi population work for the government. No money means no paychecks. No paychecks means a lot of angry and desperate people. This IMF loan is probably going to be one of many until oil prices firm-up.

Suicide Bombers Kill 32 In Baghdad

 

The Guardian: Two suicide bombers kill 28 shoppers in first Baghdad strike in three years 

Bomber in clothes market pretends to be ill before detonating device as people come to help

Two suicide bombers have killed at least 28 people at a Baghdad market by luring shoppers towards them before setting off the devices they were carrying. 

The strike on Thursday was the first in the Iraqi capital in three years, provoking fears of a resurgence of the kind of violence the country endured in the years after the 2003 US invasion and the Islamic State era. 

Read more .... 

 More News On Today's Suicide Bombing Attack In Baghdad 

Twin suicide bombings rock central Baghdad, at least 32 dead -- AP 

First big suicide attack in Baghdad for three years kills at least 32 -- Reuters 

Baghdad: At least 32 killed and dozens injured in twin suicide attack on Iraq's capital -- SKY News Double suicide bombing hits Baghdad, killing at least 32 and injuring around 110 others -- RT 

Deadly twin suicide attack hits central Baghdad -- Al Jazeera 

At least 28 dead, 73 wounded as two bombs strike market in Baghdad -- Daily Mail 

At least 32 killed as first suicide bombing in nearly 2 years rocks Baghdad -- CNN

Major Airstrikes Pounding Iran-Backed Militias South Of Iraq’s Baghdad. U.S. Is Denying Involvement. Is It Israel?

New: @CENTCOM isn't aware of **any** strikes tonight in #Iraq per @Reuters. https://t.co/CbeMDYCDlf

— Jason Brodsky (@JasonMBrodsky) January 19, 2021

Now Telegram channels linked to Iran/“axis of resistance” are talking about an “Israeli attack” after the US denied carrying any airstrike in Iraq tonight.

— Nafiseh Kohnavard (@nafisehkBBC) January 19, 2021

Al Arabiya: Airstrikes pound Iran-backed militias south of Iraq’s Baghdad: Reports 

Multiple explosions were heard south of Iraq's capital overnight Monday in what reports suggest may have been US or Israeli airstrikes on Iran-backed militias. 

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it was not aware “of any strikes in Iraq,” according to a Reuters reporter in Washington. 

Read more .... 

Update: Major Airstrikes Rock Iran-Backed Iraqi Militias Near Baghdad, Casualties Reported (Zero Hedge) 

WNU Editor: This is a breaking news story. Will update when new reports become available.

Iraq's New Prime Minister Says The Country Is Almost Out Of Money

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi in Baghdad, Iraq on 12 May 2020 [Iraqi Prime Ministry/Anadolu Agency]

Middle East Monitor: Iraq PM says country’s treasury ‘almost empty’, sovereignty ‘violated’

Iraq’s new Prime Minister, Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, said yesterday that when he assumed his duties the country’s treasury had been almost “empty”.

In an article published in the Baghdad Today newspaper, Al-Kadhimi said: “When I assumed my duties, I found nothing but an almost empty treasury and an unenviable situation after 17 years of change.”

“Our sovereignty continued to be deficient, violated or subject to doubts,” he said.

“The lands of our country are meant to become a field of struggle for others, and the security of our citizens is threatened, not only by Daesh and its sleeper cells, but also by weapons held outside the framework of the state,” he said.

Al-Kadhimi said the crisis engulfs all state institutions and impedes the country’s economic revival.

Read more ....

Update: Iraq’s prime minister renews vow to reform system amid setbacks (The National)

WNU Editor: Talk about inheriting a complete mess.

Iraq Has A New Prime Minister And Government

The Guardian/Reuters: Iraq appoints new prime minister after months of protests and jockeying

Intelligence chief Mustafa al-Kadhimi is regarded as being acceptable to both US and Iran.

Iraqi lawmakers have approved a new prime minister and government after six months without one as parties squabbled until the last minute over cabinet seats in backroom deals.

The new prime minister, Mustafa al-Kadhimi, Iraq’s intelligence chief and a former journalist, will head the new government. He will begin his term without a full cabinet, however, after several ministerial candidates were rejected.

Iraqi officials have said Kadhimi is acceptable to both the United States and Iran, whose battle for influence over Iraq has boiled into open confrontation in the past year.

Read more ....

More News On Iraq Having A New Prime Minister And Government

New Iraq prime minister after five months of deadlock -- BBC
Iraq Chooses New Prime Minister, an Ex-Intelligence Chief Backed by U.S. -- New York Times
Ex-spy chief becomes Iraq PM amid fiscal, virus crises -- AFP
Iraq parliament votes in new government, ends six-month vacancy -- Middle East Eye
Iraq's Former Spy Chief Voted Prime Minister After 6 Months Of Caretaker Government -- NPR
Iraq parliament approves PM Al Kadhimi's new cabinet -- Gulf News/AFP
Pompeo welcomes new Iraq government, extends Iran sanctions waiver -- AFP
Iraq's new PM: former spy chief with friends on all sides -- RFI
Who is Mustafa al-Kadhimi, Iraq's new prime minister? -- Al Jazeera

Iraq Has A New Prime Minister

Al Jazeera: Mohammed Allawi appointed new Iraq PM, protesters reject him

Ex-minister named as Iraq prime minister-designate, but anti-government demonstrators say he is part of ruling elite.

Baghdad, Iraq – Anti-government protesters in Iraq were quick to dismiss President Barham Salih’s appointment of Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi as prime minister-designate, as rallies took place in the capital and cities in the country's southern provinces.

The president’s announcement came after he issued an ultimatum to Iraq's fractious parliament, warning that if they did not appoint a new premier by Saturday he would do so himself.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: A new Prime Minister with the same parliament and same agenda is not going to quiet the unrest that has been gripping the country for the past few months.

More News On Iraq Having A New Prime Minister

New Iraq PM appeals to the masses but is rejected by protesters -- Reuters
Iraq's president names Allawi new prime minister, protesters divided -- France 24
Iraq protests: Mohammed Allawi named prime minister -- BBC
Iraqi president appoints Mohammed Allawi as PM -- DW
Mohammed Allawi named as Iraq's prime minister-designate -- UPI
Iraq PM-designate Mohammad Allawi, consensus choice amid protests -- AFP