PhotoThe backlash to Mr. Abadi’s move was swift. Mr. Abadi’s blunder was a stark reminder of the fact that, with the election still more than three months out, nothing can be taken for granted. While he is still Iraq’s most popular politician and front-runner, Mr. Abadi’s clumsy outreach and deal-making have compounded his difficulties, alienating the influential factions he needs to win. Advertisement Continue reading the main storySo in a classic example of the serpentine nature of Iraqi politics, Mr. Maliki has blocked Mr. Abadi from using Dawa resources for his campaign. Another is the pro-Iranian militia leaders, who are close to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, a liability that has already backfired on Mr. Abadi.

Source: New York Times January 30, 2018 09:56 UTC