August 14, 2014
Zaina Kahuk
News Writer
Headlines
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki announced Thursday night that he is stepping down from his position. Maliki has been under pressure from his own party, Iraqi citizens, the United States and neighboring countries to step down. President Obama’s national security adviser, Susan Rice, praised al-Maliki for stepping down and hopes the new leader “can set Iraq on a new path and unite its people.” Iraqi President Fouad Massoum nominated Haider Alabadi on Monday as the new prime minister. Al-Maliki had refused to step aside at first. He threatened to file a court challenge, calling the procedure for choosing his successor unconstitutional. Now that Al-Maliki has agreed to step down, US aid in Iraq will increase. Al-Maliki says his the decision to back down reflects his desire for “safeguarding the high interests of the country.”
