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Shiite bloc suspends talks, undermining Maliki's chances to remain Iraq's leader
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's chances of keeping his job suffered a setback Sunday when a coalition of Shiite parties that appeared to represent his best hope of staying in office broke off talks with his slate.
The move did not resolve a dispute among Iraqi politicians over who among the members of parliament elected March 7 will lead the next government. But it appeared to leave Maliki in a weaker position as his former political allies renewed negotiations with the Sunni-backed coalition led by former prime minister Ayad Allawi.
Both Maliki and Allawi claim the right to form the new government, citing conflicting interpretations of the constitution. Neither has found enough allies in parliament to secure the simple majority required to appoint the next prime minister.
U.S. officials have watched the stalemate with growing consternation as they prepare for their own transition.
The United States will soon send a new ambassador and a new commanding general to Baghdad as the U.S. troop withdrawal accelerates. The U.S. military will draw down to roughly 50,000 troops by the end of the month.
American officials had hoped to make the change of guard after a new Iraqi government was seated, thinking an experienced U.S. team would be better positioned to handle any unrest and violence triggered by the Iraqi transition of power.