Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki reads a speech during a meeting for his 'State of Law Coalition', a political alliance for the upcoming Iraqi elections, on October 1, 2009 in Baghdad, Iraq. Al-Maliki's Shiite-led coalition joins with Sunni parties and clans from around the country in preparation for the January 16 vote. A coalition of 40 different groups it also includes some Kurdish and Christian parties from the north of the country. Al-Maliki rejected joining a Shiite faction coalition and put together a rival movement which places emphasis on secular policies and reconciliation with Sunnis after years of sectarian bloodshed.
{"Image ImageDescription": "BAGHDAD, IRAQ, OCTOBER 1:  Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki reads a speech during a meeting for his \"State of Law Coalition\", a political alliance for the upcoming Iraqi elections, on October 1, 2009 in Baghdad, Iraq.  Al-Maliki's Shiite-led coalition joins with Sunni parties and clans from around the country in preparation for the January 16 vote. A coalition of 40 different groups  it also includes  some Kurdish and Christian parties from the north of the country. Al-Maliki rejected joining a Shiite faction coalition and put together a rival movement which places emphasis on secular policies and reconciliation with Sunnis after years of sectarian bloodshed. (Photo by Muhannad Fala'ah/Getty Images)", "Image Copyright": "2009 Getty Images"}