The Iraqi Accord Front's Return to Government

The Sunni Islamist Iraqi Accord Front (IAF) recently returned to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's ruling coalition, after having withdrawn in August 2007. The IAF cited the Prime Minister's recent actions against Shi'a extremist groups as its primary reason for re-entry. This backgrounder examines the IAF's re-entry and argues that the IAF was motivated by a desire to maintain a hold on power in the face of rising opposition from within the Sunni Arab community through tribally-based Awakening movements.