US welcomes new Iraqi leader Maliki

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's resignation late on Thursday was welcomed by the U.S. who had blamed Maliki's failure to unite all segments of Iraqi society for the current unrest.  U.S. National Security Advisor Susan Rice called Maliki's stepping down a "major step forward in uniting their country." Also a Shiite Iraqi from Mr. Maliki's State of Law Party—will be an improvement. Mr. Abadi, an engineer who spent much of his life as a political exile in Britain, has 30 days to form a government,  Haider al-Abadi, also a Shiite Iraqi from Mr. Maliki's State of Law Party, has 30 days  to form a government. Nobody knows if Abadi, an engineer who spent much of his life as a political exile in Britain, will be able to succeed in uniting factions in Iraqi. But the U.S. is hopeful that he has support across sectarian divides, as a statement from Rice concludes; "We have heard from a wide range of leaders across the Iraqi political spectrum who have expressed their commitment to work with Dr. Abadi to form a broad, inclusive government with an agenda that can address the needs and legitimate aspirations of the Iraqi people".  U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry also released a statement on Maliki's withdrawal from power.  "This milestone decision sets the stage for a historic and peaceful transition of power in Iraq," Kerry said.