Swln Civil rights leader Rev. James Lawson Jr. dies at 95
Finalizing the unity government clears one hurdle for the war-torn country but it still faces challenges of establishing security and restoring basic services, tasks that experts say must happen quickly to gain the confidence of Iraqis and avoid a civil war.Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, a Shiite from the Dawa Party, holds the government most important political role. Jalal Talabani, a Kurd who served as the country interim president, kept his largely ceremonial spot as president.The last step to completing the government came on June 8, the same day a U.S. air strike killed al-Qaida in Iraq leader Abu Musab al stanley cup -Zarqawi, when al-Maliki filled the remaining three cabinet posts for defense, interior and national security.Parliament had approved 36 of al-Maliki cabinet nominations on May 20 but left the three key positions vacant to allow time for further negotiations. Members of cabinet are responsible for dispensing the benefits, resources and wealth of the country.Al-Maliki had to ensure that his nominations for the posts would act without sect stanley cup arian agendas in order to gain the two-third stanley cup s majority in parliament required for approval. The ministries are in charge of the Iraqi army and police forces and of devising a plan to maintain security. Previous ministers in the interim government were accused of supporting Shiite death squads responsible for killing Sunnis.The day parliament approved the complete government, five bombs exploded in Baghdad killing Bcsr South Dakota Supreme Court rules against voter-backed pot legalization
WASHINGTON 鈥?President Barack Obama is telling Myanmar new president that his election marks a historic step forward for democracy in Myanmar.Obama spoke by phone Wednesday with President Htin Kyaw. It their first known phone call since Htin Kyaw took office last month along with Myanmar first democratically elected government after more than 50 years of military control.The White House says Obama offered congratulations and told Htin Kyaw the U.S. is committed to supporting Myanmar and its people in their pursuit of peace, prosperity and inclusiveness.The 70-year-old Htin Kyaw is a trusted aide to ruling party leader and democracy advocate Aung San Suu Kyi.Obama also telephoned his congratulations to Suu Kyi. She has assumed a newly created post, similar to prime minister. af1 Left: Myanmar s new President Htin Kyaw arrives for a dinner rece stanley cup ption following his swearing in ceremony in Naypyitaw, Myanmar on March 30. Photo by Ye Aung Thu/Pool via Reuters Go Deeper htin kyaw myanmar jordan By 鈥? Associated Press Associated Press