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Raising Saddam's Specter, Maliki Aims to Solidify Power

Maliki looks to increase party's power even as some see Saddam-like authority grabs

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 26, 2009 9:59 AM CST

(Newser) – Iraqi PM Nouri al-Maliki is looking to extend his reach with party gains on the provincial level in elections Saturday, the New York Times reports. But despite his assurances that “the iron centralization has ended,” many Iraqis fear a return to rule by a single leader with power focused in Baghdad—awakening echoes of Saddam Hussein.

Maliki’s life, marked by long political exile, has accustomed him to working in secret and fostered a sense of general distrust. He has built two armed outfits that report directly to him, prompting MPs to complain that “the country is being militarized.” Meanwhile, alliances with tribal leaders draw further comparisons to Saddam. Still, polls give Maliki the highest favorable rating of any Iraqi politician.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, right, confers with an adviser during a conference in Baghdad yesterday.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, right, confers with an adviser during a conference in Baghdad yesterday.   (AP Photo)
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki speaks at a rally in Basra, Iraq's second-largest city on Friday.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki speaks at a rally in Basra, Iraq's second-largest city on Friday.   (AP Photo)
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki addresses Iraqi tribal members and leaders at a conference of southeast Baghdad's tribes, Jan. 18, 2009.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki addresses Iraqi tribal members and leaders at a conference of southeast Baghdad's tribes, Jan. 18, 2009.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Guest
Feb 1, 2009 3:26 AM CST
How do you promote democracy using someone who does not absolutely believe in a democracy in a country of people who barely know what the word democracy even means?
Guest
Jan 27, 2009 3:06 AM CST
In a region that at best is in the middle ages, where a people did not fight for democracy, did not argue over what a democracy means, do not understand democracy (other than the money and guns part), how do we expect them to know when something is NOT a democracy?
Shannonals
Jan 26, 2009 4:02 AM CST
And let me guess al-Maliki used our funds to stand up his amred outfits

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