[McGavin999]

It's going to be interesting to see just who they put up for the position of PM. I have a feeling that one of the things that will come out of all of this is a weakening of the position of PM and a strengthening of the other leadership positions.

[Marine_Uncle]

"I have a feeling that one of the things that will come out of all of this is a weakening of the position of PM and a strengthening of the other leadership positions."
We should remember, the PM runs the country. The president is more a spokesman for external affairs, and all ministry posts must bend to the will of the PM.
Not having any profile on the two mentioned as alternates, I for one feel in the dark to make any comments. But the two names that where brought up do not include the SCIRI choice, being Mahdi (lost by one vote to Jaafari). Mahdi just may have been the best bet. But I don't see his name coming up of lately. Things are at least not in a state of stasis.
Surely there must be a lot of bad blood within the various elements of the UIA at this point.