Iraq: Maliki and his chances to remain in powernote

Iraqi PM Nouri Al-Maliki is said to be confident that any contacts between former Iraqi PM Ayad Allawi and leader of the Supreme Islamic Council in Iraq (SICI) Ammar Al-Hakim can play to his benefit. The following 447-word report sheds light on the subject and tells what makes Al-Maliki think that he can benefit from such contacts. It also tells what about the chances of Al-Maliki remaining in power.