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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.
