Iraq’s new parliament holds 1st session marked by disarray

By QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA
Associated Press

BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq’s new parliament has reelected its speaker for a second term, the first step toward forming a new government after a general election whose results have been contested by powerful Iran-backed factions. In a reflection of the tensions, the meeting was marked by disarray with the eldest member of Parliament who was leading the session being evacuated to the hospital apparently due to the stress. The meeting ushers in what is likely to be a lengthy period of political wrangling among rival groups to choose a new president and prime minister.