US and Iranian influence loom as the Shia parliamentary bloc moves to choose its leader months after elections.
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Opposition within Shia coalition and US threats hinder Nouri al-Maliki’s path to becoming Iraq’s next prime minister.
Formation of the new government will have to tread a fine line to satisfy domestic and international pressures.
Al-Sudani will navigate the challenges of his fragile electoral bloc and post-election negotiations with Shia rivals.
The Shia leader withdrew from the political process three years ago to position his bloc for a powerful return.
The political elite continues to use Saddam Hussein’s repressive tactics in dealing with dissent and opposition.
