Can Nouri al-Maliki Deliver Peace?

With a background beyond reproof and mastery of the rhetoric that has been most effective in post-Saddam Iraq, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki bears the weight of his country’s hopes, along with those of the US, on his shoulders. His plans for a peaceful and united Iraq, described by some analysts as courageous, have even enticed some insurgent groups into the political process. But his initiatives to disband Shiite militias have led to some backlash in the Shiite community. It remains to be seen whether a prime minister without an effective armed force of his own can dissolve the militias and bring stability to an Iraq sharply divided over religion. Like most Iraqis, al-Maliki wants to end terrorism – but believes the best chance for stability will emerge with Iraqi troops loyal to the country as a whole and not one sect or another. US officials, who raise the possibility of reducing troop levels by late 2007, join Iraqis in cheering for the success of al-Maliki. – YaleGlobal