Top news: Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has deployed pro-Shiite militias and special forces troops across Baghdad in a bid to sure up his control of the government. Maliki's continued rule faces major challenges at the moment: An Iraqi court denied that Maliki's bloc is the parliament's largest and a coalition of Shiite parties voted for Deputy Parliament Speaker Haider al-Abadi to take the prime minister's role.
Maliki has faced repeated calls to step down over accusations that he has mismanaged the country and set the stage for the current sectarian crisis. He has served two terms in the PM's office and is now making a big for a third. The United States, one a Maliki supporter, has now backed away from the prime minister. "We believe that the government-formation process is critical in terms of sustaining the stability and calm in Iraq, and our hope is that Mr. Maliki will not stir those waters," Secretary of State John Kerry said.
Meanwhile, fighting for control of northern Iraq continued. Kurdish forces re-claimed the strategic towns of Makhmour and Gwer and the U.S. forces continued bombing Islamic State positions. President Barack Obama said over the weekend that the bombing campaign could continue for months.
Gaza: Israel and various Palestinian factions agreed to a 72-hour-long cease-fire, the second since the current war in Gaza began over a month ago. The temporary cease-fire was mediated by Egypt, which is also trying to host negotiations for a longer-term truce between Israel and Palestinian militant groups in Gaza. The talks have stalled over competing demands: Israel wants Hamas to relinquish its weapons, while Hamas wants Israel to open border crossings to trade.
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