Baghdad: The leader of a powerful anti-American political party in Iraqi parliament is calling for new elections as the country's worst political crisis in years escalates.
Bahaa al-Aaraji, the head of the Sadrists' bloc in parliament, said Monday new elections are needed because of instability in the country.
The Sadrists are loyal to anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr and are partners in a Shiite-dominated government coalition with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
The prime minister is currently in a political showdown with the top Sunni political figure, Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi, after the government issued an arrest warrant for al-Hashemi.
Bureau Report
First Published: Monday, December 26, 2011, 22:22