Iraq's al-Maliki Tries to Garner Military and Militia Support

The political crisis in Baghdad continued Aug. 11, with the incumbent prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki, refusing to cede power to his newly appointed replacement, Haider al-Abadi. Forces reportedly loyal to al-Maliki have deployed across Baghdad, seeking to close off and secure vital locations, such as the airport, parliament and the Green Zone. As the situation in Baghdad develops further, one of the key things to watch is the exact disposition of forces and their allegiance to political leadership. This raises the question of whether Iraq's military and militia forces will obey the new political leadership or remain loyal to al-Maliki even though he has been removed officially from his function as prime minister.