Unify Iraq!
With the Sadrist support, Nouri al-Maliki has been nominated for Prime Minister from the National Alliance, the majority party of the Iraqi parliament.
This ends the political deadlock that began in March, setting the record for the longest a country has gone without an established government.
The National Alliance has vowed to accelerate things forward to establish a unified government.
It is critical for Iraq to focus on unity.
So it took seven months.
But there is a new Prime Minister.
Now it's time to focus on getting things done.
As Maliki goes about forming the government, all eyes will be on his relationship with the Iraqyia party, led by Ayad Allawi.
The Iraqyia party has adamantly stated that they will not take part in a government led by Maliki while the National Alliance has said that it is willing to work with Iraqyia to form a unified government.
However, it is uncertain what capacity Iraqyia would play in the new government.
In a unified and cooperative new Iraqi government if Maliki is the Prime Minister, Allawi could be appointed to a top post, but this could potentially be adding lighter fluid to a fire.
Tensions are already high between the two politicians and their respective political parties.
It does not seem likely that Allawi would want to take a subordinate role to Maliki, but Allawi needs to understand the importance of establishing a unified government and Maliki must not abuse his upper hand to unfairly slight Allawi.
Both Maliki and Allawi must respect each other for the betterment of Iraq.
Maliki must recognize Allawi as an important figure and offer a role that will allow Iraqyia's voice to be heard.
Allawi needs to accept Maliki as Prime Minister and fight to represent Iraqyia in the new government without putting his personal pride before the people of Iraq, who desperately need strong leadership.
These upcoming weeks and months will be critical and Maliki must focus on healing wounds cut open by his political maneuverings.
Iraq is too diverse of a country and too volatile to neglect opposition groups.
It is a legitimate concern that any group that feels slighted might resort to violence to have their voice heard.
Maliki must recognize this and work to earn the respect of the parliament and the Iraqi people by working toward compromises between political lines.
Maliki has relentlessly pursued the premiership, he must now use that same drive to do what's best for Iraq right now: establish a unified government that is on the same page, ready to move Iraq forward.
This ends the political deadlock that began in March, setting the record for the longest a country has gone without an established government.
The National Alliance has vowed to accelerate things forward to establish a unified government.
It is critical for Iraq to focus on unity.
So it took seven months.
But there is a new Prime Minister.
Now it's time to focus on getting things done.
As Maliki goes about forming the government, all eyes will be on his relationship with the Iraqyia party, led by Ayad Allawi.
The Iraqyia party has adamantly stated that they will not take part in a government led by Maliki while the National Alliance has said that it is willing to work with Iraqyia to form a unified government.
However, it is uncertain what capacity Iraqyia would play in the new government.
In a unified and cooperative new Iraqi government if Maliki is the Prime Minister, Allawi could be appointed to a top post, but this could potentially be adding lighter fluid to a fire.
Tensions are already high between the two politicians and their respective political parties.
It does not seem likely that Allawi would want to take a subordinate role to Maliki, but Allawi needs to understand the importance of establishing a unified government and Maliki must not abuse his upper hand to unfairly slight Allawi.
Both Maliki and Allawi must respect each other for the betterment of Iraq.
Maliki must recognize Allawi as an important figure and offer a role that will allow Iraqyia's voice to be heard.
Allawi needs to accept Maliki as Prime Minister and fight to represent Iraqyia in the new government without putting his personal pride before the people of Iraq, who desperately need strong leadership.
These upcoming weeks and months will be critical and Maliki must focus on healing wounds cut open by his political maneuverings.
Iraq is too diverse of a country and too volatile to neglect opposition groups.
It is a legitimate concern that any group that feels slighted might resort to violence to have their voice heard.
Maliki must recognize this and work to earn the respect of the parliament and the Iraqi people by working toward compromises between political lines.
Maliki has relentlessly pursued the premiership, he must now use that same drive to do what's best for Iraq right now: establish a unified government that is on the same page, ready to move Iraq forward.