Iraq Shiite blocs signal their alliance strong by naming it, stay on track to form government

Iraqi Shiite blocs solidify alliance

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s two largest Shiite political blocs have signaled their alliance is still strong by giving it a name, keeping them on track to form the core of the country’s new government.

The alliance was formed more than a month ago, but there have been no outward signs of progress on key steps toward forming the government such as bringing in other partners that would give them a ruling majority in parliament or naming a candidate for the top government job, prime minister.

With behind-the-scenes negotiations moving slowly, there has been speculation in the Iraqi media that the alliance might not last.

But lawmaker Khaled Attia said Thursday the union will now be called “National Alliance.”

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi officials say at least three people have been killed and nine wounded in a car bombing in a mainly Sunni district in western Baghdad.

Police and hospital officials say the explosives-laden car detonated Thursday as a joint patrol of Iraqi soldiers and members of a government-backed Sunni group, the so-called Awakening Council, passed by.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to release the information, say one Iraqi soldier and two members of the Awakening Council were killed.

The officials say four soldiers are among the wounded, along with three Awakening Council members and two civilians.