US and Iranian influence loom as the Shia parliamentary bloc moves to choose its leader months after elections.

Opposition within Shia coalition and US threats hinder Nouri al-Maliki’s path to becoming Iraq’s next prime minister.

Formation of the new government will have to tread a fine line to satisfy domestic and international pressures.

Al-Sudani will navigate the challenges of his fragile electoral bloc and post-election negotiations with Shia rivals.

The Shia leader withdrew from the political process three years ago to position his bloc for a powerful return.