Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, whose coalition won the largest number of seats in Iraq’s parliamentary elections, says the next government will be “inclusive.” The May 12 vote did not produce a single bloc with a majority, raising the prospect of weeks or even months of negotiations to agree on a government. (Iraqi Government via AP) (Associated Press)BAGHDAD — Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, whose coalition won the largest number of seats in Iraq’s parliamentary elections, has sought to reassure Iraqis about their next government, saying it will be “inclusive” and mindful of their needs. No single bloc won a majority in the May 12 vote, raising the prospect of weeks or even months of negotiations to agree on a government. The latest round was held Sunday between al-Sadr and Hadi al-Amiri, the leader of a coalition of Shiite paramilitary forces backed by both the government and neighboring Iran. Al-Sadr, whose followers fought U.S. forces in Iraq after the 2003 invasion, won 54 of the chamber’s 329 seats.

Source: Washington Post May 20, 2018 11:49 UTC