Will Iraq's new PM pass on forming government?
Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi is under great pressure from the protesters to withdraw from the position, opening the space for a candidate acceptable from all sides.
Iraq's newly appointed prime minister Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi has a difficult task ahead as he seeks to form a new government. He is facing widespread lack of confidence from public protestors, as well as ongoing pressure from the country's traditional political forces to adhere to their terms.
Iraq’s most senior Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, hinted during his Friday sermon that he may have concerns about Allawi's ability to successfully form a government. The sermon was delivered Feb. 7 on Sistani’s behalf by his representative Ahmed al-Safi.
“The new government must earn the people's trust, be capable of calming the situation and restoring the prestige of the state,” Safi said. This position comes at a time Allawi is facing considerable rejection from the Iraqi public.
Kadim Isawi, senior adviser to Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, also warned Allawi to not appoint any minister from the Popular Mobilization Units, threatening that Sadr will overthrow Allawi's Cabinet in three days if he does so.
