Prime Minister al-Maliki announces final posts

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki finalized his cabinet today with the Iraqi parliament's vote on the three remaining security ministry positions.

Abdul Qadir Muhammed Jasim, a Sunni Arab, was confirmed as the new Minister of Defense.

Jawad al-Bolani, a Shiite, was confirmed for the Minister of Interior.

The final position of state minister of national security was put in the hands of Sherwan al-Waily, also a Shiite.

The top positions of defense and interior were filled by former generals, both under the former regime. Neither Jasim nor al-Bolani are said to not have any strong political ties to their respected ethnic parties, which meets one of Prime Minister Maliki's top criteria for the positions.

The nominations and confirming was a positive sign of progress for the new prime minister and the Iraqi parliament member who were sworn in May 20.

The nomination of all three positions came this morning during a press conference which also announced the death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.

The filling of the positions is considered key to curbing violence in Iraq. However, experts say the new ministers will face an uphill battle in stopping violence and restoring order in Iraq.

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Source: Multi-National Force-Iraq