New coalition forming in Iraq?

The Washington Post is reporting that Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has allied himself with an outspoken Sunni leader in several provinces and broached a coalition with a militant, anti-American cleri.

Anthony Shadid writes that the move suggests "the emergence of a new axis of power in Iraq centered on a strong central government and nationalism."

Parliamentary elections are coming later this year and Shadid reports that coalitions are in flux and the vote will likely shape the political landscape as the U.S. military is withdrawing.

For the complete story, go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/19/AR2009031902885.html