Iraq: Politics, Governance, and Human Rights
"Iraq’s political system is increasingly characterized by peaceful competition and formation of
cross-sectarian alliances, although ethnic and sectarian infighting continues, sometimes involving
the questionable use of key levers of power and legal institutions. This infighting—and the belief
that holding political power may mean the difference between life and death for the various
political communities—significantly delayed agreement on a new government that was to be
selected following the March 7, 2010, national elections for the Council of Representatives
(COR, parliament). With U.S. diplomatic intervention, on November 10, 2010, major ethnic and
sectarian factions agreed on a framework for a new government, breaking the long deadlock.
Their agreement, under which Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki serves a second term, was
implemented in the formation of a broad-based cabinet on December 21, 2010..."