Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Sunni Bloc Signals Return to Iraq Cabinet

Group cites amnesty law, anti-Shiite crackdown as positives

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 24, 2008 3:04 PM CDT

(Newser) – The biggest Sunni bloc in Iraq is returning to the government after a nine-month boycott, encouraged by a new amnesty law and Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki’s redoubled attention to Shiite militias, the New York Times reports. Which cabinet positions the Tawafiq bloc will get, and which members will hold them, is still up in the air.

General amnesty has already seen the release of jailed Sunnis, and the bloc was heartened by the shift in focus to Shiite militants. The head of Tawafiq was cautious in discussing the agreement, saying, “our conditions were very clear, and the government achieved some of them;” Iraqi state television was less tentative, reporting that “the reconciliation has proved a success.”

Mahdi Army fighters are seen on a road in Basra, Iraq.
Mahdi Army fighters are seen on a road in Basra, Iraq.   (AP Photo)
A Mahdi Army fighter controls a road in Basra.
A Mahdi Army fighter controls a road in Basra.   (AP Photo)
Iraqi Sunni politician Adnan Duleimi briefs the press following a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
Iraqi Sunni politician Adnan Duleimi briefs the press following a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.   (AP Photo)
Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Despite Maliki Crackdown, US Still Selling Arms to Iraq

This Time, Iraq Gets Politics With Its Elections

Sadr Group Leaves Iraq's Ruling Alliance

Agreement on Key Iraq Oil Law Hits the Skids

US Hails Iraq Breakthrough


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne