Speculation Mounts in Iraq Over Maliki’s Health
Across the Iraqi media, speculation has been rife about the current health of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, with conflicting reports from government and opposition sources.
![Iraqi PM al-Maliki speaks next to Iraq's Deputy PM for Energy al-Shahristani during a meeting in Kirkuk Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki (L) speaks next to Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Hussain al-Shahristani during a meeting of the Council of Ministers in Kirkuk, 250 km (155 miles) north of Baghdad May 8, 2012. On top right hangs a picture of Iraq's President Jalal Talabani. REUTERS/Iraqi Prime Minister Media Office/Handout (IRAQ - Tags: POLITICS) FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. IT IS DISTRIBUTED, EXACTLY](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/almpics/2013/05/RTR31RXF-001.jpg/RTR31RXF-001.jpg?h=2d235432&itok=843camKj)
On May 10, 2013, conflicting news reports about Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki suffering from a health problem were rampant in Baghdad, while speculation about what kind differed.
On that day, the Islamic Supreme Council was holding a memorial service on the anniversary of the martyrdom of its former leader, the late Mohammed Baqir al-Hakim. Maliki was supposed to attend the event and deliver a speech.