The result left many   Iraqis wondering whether another four years under Mr.   Maliki , a Shiite Muslim, would deepen the sectarian rancor and extend a political stalemate that has left the government adrift. Western diplomats and analysts say that further instability would also add to the region’s political maelstrom; Syria’s civil war has spilled over into Iraq.
To form a government, Maliki faces the likelihood of months long negotiations with former allies—many of whom now consider him a political enemy. Following the 2010 polls, lawmakers took nearly 10 months to form a government.
Among the other prominent Shiite parties, a list led by hard-line cleric Moqtada al-Sadr won 34 seats; Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq won 31.
Both regard Maliki with hostility, accusing him of dominating power and leading a corrupt government for the past eight years, charges he denies.
U.S. lawmakers and military officials, too, have voiced frustration over Maliki’s failure to reach out to Sunni groups and many blamed him for exacerbating tensions contributing to the rise in deadly violence and for creating fertile ground for al Qaeda-aligned groups to thrive.
The Obama administration reacted Monday by saying the country’s leaders should move quickly to form a new government “that is supported by all Iraqi communities.”
Given Shiite anger, the prime minister will probably first reach out to his Sunni Arab and Kurdish allies, say some political analysts. If he can cobble together an alliance with them he will be better positioned to tempt Shiite politicians to join him to gain the 165 seats he needs to form a government, Mr. Ali said.
Even then, Maliki may have to accept limits on his now expansive political power. Some Shiite politicians are already talking about giving Maliki a third term on the condition that