WEB-IRAQ-VOTE

The transcript discusses the political rise of Nouri al Maliki, highlighting his success in provincial polls due to a patriotic tone and separation of religion from the state. Despite low voter turnout, especially among Shiites, the elections were largely peaceful. The shift in voter behavior, particularly among Sunnis, marked a significant change from previous elections. The Islamic Supreme Council's loss of influence further bolstered Al Maliki's position, setting the stage for his reelection campaign.

Discuss the implications of the claims of fraud in Anbar province on the election results.

What does the shift in voter behavior among Sunni provinces suggest about the political climate in Iraq?