Head of Iraqia Alliance met Moqtada al- Sadr to discuss about formation of new government in Iraq
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Whatsapp
  • Linkedin
  • Print
  • Pro-Western Iraqi leader Iyad Allawi who is also head of the al-Iraqiya Alliance has sought support of Iranian-backed cleric Sayyed Moqtada al-Sadr to form the new government. Once bitter rivals, Sadr and Allawi met at a hotel in the Syrian capital Damascus. Although, Sadr, an anti-US figure who has emerged as a kingmaker in Iraqi politics, did not endorse Allawi but said Allawi had shown more willingness to compromise than Prime Minister Nuri al- Maliki. After the meeting, Allawi noted that Sadr’s views were “positive, showing care to preserve Iraq and accelerate forming a government”. Allawi expressed hope that “Sayyed (Sadr) will honour his word.” An aide to Allawi noted that he could become prime minister if he is able to secure the support of Sadr and the two main Kurdish blocs. It is noteworthy that Allawi has good ties with key Arab rulers and the US, and he has been trying to exploit discord between Iraq’s main Shi’ite factions over Maliki’s attempt to win a second term.1

    Top