Shiite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has struggled to forge a power-sharing agreement and has yet to fill key Cabinet positions, including the ministers of defense, interior and national security, while his backers have shown signs of wobbling support.

CNN: Militants clash with security forces in Iraq

Shiite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has struggled to forge a lasting power-sharing agreement and has yet to fill key Cabinet positions, including the ministers of defense, interior and national security, while his backers have also shown signs of wobbling support.

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He has been put on key cabinet committees by Mr Blair to act as his enforcer against ministers who lack the required clarity of purpose.

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