Iraq's political scene fragmented as time runs out for prime minister designate
An Al-Monitor interview of members of parliament helps explain why Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi's nomination to become prime minister of Iraq hit the shoals.
BAGHDAD — In the months since massive anti-government protests began across Shiite-dominant southern and central Iraq in October, Iraqi politicians have been meeting in small groups in the capital late into the night, hashing out new strategies and alliances.
Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi, who had been designated to become prime minister, put together a list of ministers in late February, voting on which was initially to be held Feb. 27. The vote was postponed several times before he withdrew from forming a government early March 2.
Caretaker Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi had said in mid-February that he would quit his post if no prime minister had been approved by March 2.
Allawi had been backed by strong Shiite factions in the parliament, some linked to armed groups incorporated into government forces.
