“Iraq’s parliament has approved a new government including all major factions, ending nine months of deadlock after inconclusive elections [on March 7, 2010]. In a special session, MPs [Members of Parliament] voted for the 29 ministerial candidates nominated by Prime Minister Nouri Maliki, a Shia, who was reappointed for a second term. But doubts persist about whether all the political groups can work together. The key ministries of interior, defence and national security remain unfilled because nominees could not be agreed.”
– “Iraqi Parliament Approves New Government,” BBC News, Dec. 21, 2010