“Embattled Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki called Wednesday for political unity in the face of a brutal al-Qaeda-inspired insurgency, as he sought to shore up crumbling support for his government. Striking a conciliatory but desperate tone in a televised address to the nation, Maliki urged political parties to lay aside their differences before the first session of Iraq’s newly elected parliament, expected to take place next week.”
Source: Maliki calls for Iraqi unity as battle rages at former U.S. air base – The Washington Post