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08Sep14


ISIS Kills 17 in Attack on Rival Sunni Tribesmen in Iraq


Members of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria attacked Sunni tribal fighters north of Baghdad early Monday, killing at least 17 people as the militants showed new determination to punish Sunnis who have resisted the ISIS onslaught into parts of northern Iraq.

Using an explosive-laden Humvee, apparently captured from the Iraqi Army, the militants assaulted an entrance to the town of Dhuluiya, about 50 miles north of Baghdad, according to local tribal leaders.

Some of the district's most prominent Sunni tribes, including the Al-Jabour, have been openly fighting the Sunni extremists of ISIS for the last two months. The participation of Sunni fighters in the resistance to ISIS is seen as a key to halting its advance. Over the weekend, Sunni tribal fighters in Anbar Province joined Iraqi Army troops in attacking ISIS fighters in towns near the Haditha Dam as United States warplanes bombed the militants.

The fighting on Monday came as Iraqi politicians argued over the complexion of a new government, which has been rumored for days but is said to have been repeatedly delayed over disputes about key cabinet posts. Iraq's incoming prime minister, Haider al-Abadi, who is set to replace Nuri Kamal al-Maliki, is required to name a cabinet by Tuesday.

Iraq's Western allies have called for an "inclusive" government, insisting that new leaders seek to reverse the divisive legacy of Mr. Maliki, whose Shiite-led government was accused by Sunnis of marginalizing and antagonizing them. As Iraqi cities fell to ISIS this summer, pressure intensified on Mr. Maliki to step down, from inside and outside Iraq.

There was no assurance that a new government would quiet the crisis. Lists of possible cabinet members that have circulated over the past few days have been full of familiar names, suggesting a reshuffling rather than a revitalization.

Iraq's Parliament speaker said members would vote on a cabinet during Monday's session, though many anticipated a further delay. Even so, members of the Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra sat in the chamber on Monday, preparing in case there was something to celebrate.

"We are ready to play the national anthem whenever they form the government," the deputy manager said.

[Source: By Kareem Fahim and Ali Hamza, The New York Times, Baghdad, 08Sep14]

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