Talks begin to shape new Iraqi government

Talks on who would get what in Iraq’s newly-elected National Assembly were underway today but the clergy-backed Shiites, whose winning margin was smaller than they expected, may now have to compromise more than anticipated.

With barely 50% of the final vote in the 275 member National Assembly, the United Iraqi Alliance will not have control over the assembly, leading to speculation it may soon form a coalition with the independence-minded Kurds who won 26% of the vote.