Former Iraqi prime minister seeks ouster of current leader

BAGHDAD (AP) Officials say Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki (NOO'-ree ahl-MAHL'-ih-kee) is facing a revolt from within his party from people who want him out of power.

His predecessor, Ibrahim al-Jaafari (EE'-brah-heem ahl JAH'-fah-ree), is leading the challenge. Officials say al-Jaafari's campaign is based on his concerns that al-Maliki's policies have led Iraq into turmoil. He believes the prime minister is doing too little to promote national reconciliation.

Al-Jaafari already has approached leaders of Iraq's two main Kurdish parties, parliament's two Sunni Arab blocs and lawmakers loyal to powerful Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr (mook-TAH'-duh al SAH'-dur).

Officials say Iraq's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani (ahl-sih-STAH'-nee), has refused to endorse the former prime minister's proposal.

Other authorities say the challenge could undermine al-Maliki and further entangle efforts to meet important legislative benchmarks sought by Washington.

% | save this article / add to your favorites list