***** Sunni - Shia Alliance In the Making *****
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The Sunni Islamic Party and the followers of Ayatollah Muqtada al-Sadr are currently negotiationg a possible political alliance to form a unified bloc in Iraq's newly elected permanent parliament, an al-Sadr spokesman, Ala Makki said monday to Iraq's Nina news agency.

"there is much common ground on a number of national political topics between the two formations. this is why we are putting together an agreement to form a new alliance,"
said Ala Makki.

The initial results of Iraq's general election held on December 15th, show Muqtada al-Sadrs supporters winning 31 seats out of Iraq's 275-seat parliament. If the final tally confirms this substantial gain, the Sadr group will be the single largest group in Iraq's parliament.

Muqtada al-Sadr, has successfully transformed his followers into a political force to be reckoned with. This force could significantly re-shape the political landscape in Iraq's parliament.

Muqtada al-Sadr's group ran in the election as part of the United Iraqi Alliance Ticket. They also won an extra seat by running on the separate messengers ticket, according to the initial poll results.

Based on the strength of the initial results, the al-Sadr group has demanded a voice in choosing a prime minister and in other major ministerial positions. also, they are demanding that their militia be officially inducted into the government's security forces.
Reportedly, they have hinted of a possible break in ranks with the United Iraqi Alliance if their demands were not met, dashing hopes of a unified government.