Iraq-s New Shiite Coalition Begins to Take Shape

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The United Iraqi Alliance, which won 48% of the vote, has chosen a popular moderate, Ibrahim Jaafari, as its candidate to be Prime Minister. The other Shia slate, the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution, says it will back Jaafari, too. He heads the Dawa Party, one of Iraq's leading religious political organizations. In the past, the Jaafari has promised to reach out to Sunnis and other minorities. But if the Bush Administration wanted a puppet regime, that does not appear to be what it's getting. We learn how these emerging leaders will deal with Iran and whether Islamic law be the core of their new constitution from journalists, experts in defense policy, political science and a founder of the Iraqi National Congress.
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Daily Star article on aftermath of Hariri murder

NPR feature on United Iraqi Alliance

BBC on apparent United Iraqi Alliance victory

Daily Star article on Ibrahim Jaafari

Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq

Wright's article on Iraqi election winners having strong religious base

Verizon on purchase of MCI

SBC on acquisition of AT&T;

AT&T;'s brief history of the Bell System

Richtel's article about impact of phone merger on corporate clients

Credits

Host:

Warren Olney