Obama Praises Iraq's Decision to Nominate Abadi as PM

As Iraq's President asked deputy speaker of parliament Haider al-Abadi to form a new government, President Barack Obama Monday called it a "promising step".

"The only lasting solution is for Iraqis to come together and form an inclusive government," Obama said, The State reports. President Obama, who is now vacationing at Martha's Vineyard, said that the U.S will continue to support the Iraqis, but its role would be limited.

The United States had been trying to build pressure on incumbent Nouri al-Maliki to step aside for a long time. Vice President Joe Biden called the disputed successor of al-Maliki, Monday, urging him to form a new government in Iraq.

The nomination of 62-year-old Haider al-Abadi, a veteran Shiite politician, has only made the political scenario in insurgency-hit Iraq worse.

It wasn't Maliki, but Abadi who had been nominated previously for the position of the Prime Minister by Shia parties.

Meanwhile, Maliki said that Abadi's nomination was nothing but a "violation of the constitution", BBC reports. Maliki had been adamant on his decision to remain in office for a third term.

The Iraqi army finds itself in a fix. "We are entering a potential clash," said an Iraqi official. "On the ground, [there are] tanks and armored vehicles. It's a very complicated situation with the army," The Washington Post reports.

Obama had ordered airstrikes as well as food and water drops Thursday in northern Iraq. He termed the efforts by the US as "successful" in being able to destroy arms and equipment in Iraq with the help of a series of airstrikes. He further added that aircrafts will remain in position if required.

"These have been difficult days in Iraq...I am sure there will be difficult days ahead," he said.