BAGHDAD — As Iraqis awoke Sunday to the news that American forces had finally left their country, feelings of relief were chilled by an unmistakable sense of menace.
A deepening political crisis pits the Shiite prime minister against some of his most outspoken Sunni coalition partners, raising fears that a brewing conflict could plunge the country into a new era of instability.
The crisis flared after the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki leaked plans Saturday to arrest a Sunni official, Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi, on charges of terrorism. Al-Hashimi’s mostly Sunni Iraqiya bloc announced a boycott of the national parliament.
Frantic telephone calls involving President Jalal Talabani, al-Maliki, Sunni politicians and U.S. Embassy officials appeared to resolve the issue.
But Sunday, tensions soared again when al-Maliki asked parliament to hold a no-confidence vote that would enable him to dismiss another top Sunni official, Deputy Prime Minister Saleh al-Mutlak.
“I think there’s going to be a coup,” said Baghdad resident Muwafak Mohammed Ali, 47.
“This is Iraq. It is what happens,” said Ali, a wedding musician. “. . . I don’t think the Americans should have gone. The situation isn’t stable.”
The Washington Post
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