Iraq’s parliament confirmed nominees for two key posts on Saturday, completing a unity government that is desperately fighting off the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
Mohammed Salem al-Ghabban was appointed interior minister.
Al-Ghabban is a Shiite associated with the Badr Corps, according to the Wall Street Journal. The Badr Corps is backed by Iran and its members were influential in the interior ministry during the administration of former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Iraqi Sunnis deeply distrust the Badr Corps and hold them responsible for numerous abuses of power.
Khaled al-Obeidi was confirmed as defence minister.
Obeidi is a Sunni from Mosul, a northern city captured by the Islamic State in June.
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, a Shiite, had pledged to fill the two posts by September.
Neither candidate was Abadi’s first choice.
Islamic State forces control substantial territory in Syria and Iraq, and the unity government has been seen as key to solidifying support for the government Iraq’s Sunni population.
