Iraq’s Maliki down but not out

BAGHDAD: Militants may have overrun large swathes of Iraq and he might face eroding domestic and international backing, but Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki remains many Iraqis’ top choice to lead the country.

Experts have cast doubt on the incumbent’s chances of keeping his post as factions struggle to form a government after April polls, but sectarian allegiance may yet rescue the Shiite Arab leader, and a brutal onslaught by Sunni militants might have even strengthened his supporters’ resolve.