Seemingly, the political muscle strain is getting relaxed after former Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki agreed to stay aside and support the new proposed Prime Minister Mr. Haidar Al Ebadi. On Thursday, he said: “I announce before you today the withdrawal of my candidacy in favor of the brother Doctor Haidar Al Ebadi”.
His decision was widely and swiftly welcomed though it seems that he ultimately bowed to mounting domestic and foreign pressures. “Today, Iraqis took another major step forward in uniting their country,” US National Security Advisor Susan Rice said.

No doubt, he would not be remembered as national figure. He ruled the country for two consecutive terms as per law he could run for the third term which sparked huge criticisms inside the country. During two previous terms his Dawa Party along with other small Shiite groups could slightly edge over secular coalition of Ayad Allawi. In the recent election, he maintained similar status capturing an equal number of parliamentary seats same to previous election. So, he was resolved to establish the government.

But the rapid advance of Islamic State militants and serious political controversies in Baghdad further deteriorated the situation. While politicians were stuck in political bargains, hundreds of civilians were jailed and executed and hundreds of thousands were forced to flee their homes. Despite the rhetoric of Baghdad and talks with state government of Kurdistan, months of fighting proved that Islamic State militants are far stronger that Baghdad has no strength to stand against them.

The volunteers who hold arms to stand against militants and pull them out of the areas they have under control also proved of no visible success. The parliamentary sessions were whether not ever formed or disbanded after few hours due to serious controversies among MPs. Many believe that Mr. Maliki was the main reason behind such political chaos and security instabilities because his Shiite coalition alienated Sunnis as well as Kurds whose leader recently even put the issue of a separate country Kurdistan openly.

Now he stepped back and many sigh in relief that a national government which may bring back the alienated sects of the society to the government. Haidar Ali Ebadi though is a Shiite but transfer of power from one person to another is somehow deemed a positive point. Moreover, Sunni leaders also announced their preparation to support his government which of course if goes smoothly, the Islamic State will get serious blows.