Epic Battle Over, Maliki Must Form New Government

Incumbent Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki cemented his grip on power today, bringing an end to nearly nine months of political deadlock after he was asked to form the next government. The long-awaited request from President Jalal Talabani sets in motion a 30-day timeline during which al-Maliki must pick his Cabinet. Al-Maliki, a steely politician known more for his ability to alienate than unify, said he was aware of the challenges ahead.

"I call upon the great Iraqi people from all sects, religions and ethnicities and I call upon my brothers the politicians to work to overcome all differences," the prime minister designate said during the ceremony at the president's palace. The new government is expected to include all the major factions, including the Kurds, Shiite political parties aligned with Iran, and a Sunni-backed bloc that believes it should have been the one leading the next government. (More iraq election stories.)