Arch US critic Maliki endorsed as new Iraqi PM

news.bbc.co.uk...

"Iraq's President Jalal Talabani has asked Shia politician Jawad al-Maliki to form the country's next government.

"I would like to inform the brothers and sisters that we decided unanimously to endorse our dear brother... to head the cabinet," he said.

The dominant Shia bloc picked Mr al-Maliki as its nominee on Friday after the current premier, Ibrahim al-Jafaari, bowed out.

Sunni, Kurdish and secular groups had bitterly opposed Mr Jaafari."

What does everyone think. Is this a good thing?

I'm gunna have to do some reading on who he is and whether he is likely to command the necessary authority/respect of all sides. It seems from the breaking news that the Shia are the only ones going to be happy though....

[edited title as no response to first post]

[edit on 22/4/2006 by 5ick8oy]

I read earlier today that Mr Maliki was a critic of US tactics in Iraq. I can't seem to find the link that I read though.

If he doesn't agree with US tactics, how is this likely to play out in terms of his relationship with the US and whether he tries to ultimately make the US forces leave Iraq?