Sunni-backed politician (Ayad Allawi) to join Iraqi government

[Elmore Furth]

Source: Associated Press

BAGHDAD — The head of a Sunni-backed political party will join the Shiite-led government being assembled by his top rival, according to a spokeswoman, clearing a final hurdle to end months of tortuous, postelection dealmaking.

The breakthrough on Tuesday cements what the Obama administration has been pushing for as U.S. troops prepare to leave Iraq by the end of 2011: an inclusive government that distributes power among Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds to forge stability after more than seven years of war.

As part of the deal, Ayad Allawi will join Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government as head of a newly created council to oversee security and foreign policy issues. The two rivals will make the same annual salary, believed to be at least $360,000.

But after what appeared to be a warm 90-minute meeting between the two on Tuesday, Iraqiya spokeswoman said Maysoun al-Damlouji said Allawi expected to have broad powers as head of the National Council for Strategic Policies. The 20-member body will serve as a counterbalance to al-Maliki's major security and foreign policy decisions.


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