Despite near universal calls for him to stand down and let someone else become prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki said that he had no intention of giving up his quest for a 3rd term. The leading religious figure in Iraq, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani has called on the government to have "broad national acceptance" - widely interpreted as a signal for al-Maliki to depart. While the Islamic State moves forces closer to Baghdad, the Iraqi parliament is hopelessly deadlocked over the formation of a new government. The Hill: Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki vowed on Friday to seek a third term in office despite growing pressure for him to step aside.  He pledged to stay on until he defeats Islamic militants who have taken over much of the country, defying international arguments that his continued leadership is fueling the insurgency and ripping apart the country.  “I have made a promise to God that I will continue to fight by the side of the...(Read Full Post)