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ISIS Kills 17 in Attack on Rival Sunni Tribesmen in Iraq Iraqi Lawmakers Approve Cabinet, as New Premier Pledges an Inclusive Government
(about 5 hours later)
BAGHDAD — Members of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria attacked Sunni tribal fighters north of Baghdad early Monday, killing at least 17 people as the militants showed new determination to punish Sunnis who have resisted the ISIS onslaught into parts of northern Iraq. BAGHDAD — Iraqi lawmakers approved a new power-sharing government led by the Shiite prime minister, Haider al-Abadi, late Monday. But they left the two most divisive security posts unfilled, potentially extending a contentious debate even as American officials prepared a new campaign of military support for the Baghdad administration.
Using an explosive-laden Humvee, apparently captured from the Iraqi Army, the militants assaulted an entrance to the town of Dhuluiya, about 50 miles north of Baghdad, according to local tribal leaders. In his first official speech as prime minister, Mr. Abadi promised to preside over a more inclusive government that would set out to heal deep rifts with Iraq’s Sunni and Kurdish populations even as it fights the militants of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.
Some of the district’s most prominent Sunni tribes, including the Al-Jabour, have been openly fighting the Sunni extremists of ISIS for the last two months. The participation of Sunni fighters in the resistance to ISIS is seen as a key to halting its advance. Over the weekend, Sunni tribal fighters in Anbar Province joined Iraqi Army troops in attacking ISIS fighters in towns near the Haditha Dam as United States warplanes bombed the militants. “The country is exposed to an aggressive offensive, and the people are waiting for us all; we should not be arguing about names and positions,” Mr. Abadi said, urging sacrifice by Iraq’s political class. “This is to serve the country and the people.”
The fighting on Monday came as Iraqi politicians argued over the complexion of a new government, which has been rumored for days but is said to have been repeatedly delayed over disputes about key cabinet posts. Iraq’s incoming prime minister, Haider al-Abadi, who is set to replace Nuri Kamal al-Maliki, is required to name a cabinet by Tuesday. Mr. Abadi said he would nominally run the Defense and Interior Ministries himself, and gave lawmakers a week to agree on new ministers before filling the posts with his own choices.
Iraq’s Western allies have called for an “inclusive” government, insisting that new leaders seek to reverse the divisive legacy of Mr. Maliki, whose Shiite-led government was accused by Sunnis of marginalizing and antagonizing them. As Iraqi cities fell to ISIS this summer, pressure intensified on Mr. Maliki to step down, from inside and outside Iraq. President Obama called a unity government a crucial prerequisite for a new and extended American military offensive against ISIS, which he is expected to detail in a speech on Wednesday.
There was no assurance that a new government would quiet the crisis. Lists of possible cabinet members that have circulated over the past few days have been full of familiar names, suggesting a reshuffling rather than a revitalization. But even as lawmakers took at least a partial step in that direction, there was deep skepticism among Iraqis, especially Sunni Arabs who felt abused by the previous government led by Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki, who is still a member of Mr. Abadi’s Dawa party.
Iraq’s Parliament speaker said members would vote on a cabinet during Monday’s session, though many anticipated a further delay. Even so, members of the Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra sat in the chamber on Monday, preparing in case there was something to celebrate. As Iraqi cities fell to ISIS this summer and the Iraqi military crumbled, some Sunnis chose to support the militants rather than fight for a government they loathed.
“We are ready to play the national anthem whenever they form the government,” the deputy manager said. “We were hoping we would see a technocrat government where we would be listened to, but it did not happen,” said Sheikh Mohammad al-Bajari, whose fighters in Falluja have allied themselves with ISIS. “These decisions will take us into the wilderness.”
Now, with the advent of a new administration, all eyes will be on Mr. Abadi as he tries to answer those voices of skepticism, urging Sunni Arabs to turn against ISIS and trying to keep Kurds in the north from declaring their own country, rather than staying involved with the Baghdad government.
At the same time, ISIS has focused its efforts on punishing Sunni tribes that resist the group’s rule.
Early Monday, ISIS forces attacked Sunni tribal fighters north of Baghdad, killing at least 17 people. Using an explosive-laden Humvee, apparently captured from the Iraqi Army, the militants assaulted an entrance to the town of Dhuluiya, according to local tribal leaders.
Some of the district’s most prominent Sunni tribes, including the Al Jabour, have been openly fighting the Sunni extremists of ISIS for the last two months. The participation of Sunni fighters in the resistance to ISIS is seen as a key to halting its advance.
Over the weekend, Sunni tribal fighters in Anbar Province joined Iraqi Army troops in attacking ISIS fighters in towns near the Haditha Dam as United States warplanes bombed the militants.
American military officials said the airstrikes, on Sunday and Monday, killed at least 70 ISIS fighters and destroyed several armored vehicles.