Iraqi lawmakers have been unable to appoint key posts despite security crisis in north , west of country . Score: 6 Nuri al-Maliki , Iraq 's embattled Prime Minister , refuses to step down despite growing opposition . There is a `` vital '' Iraq that Iran and the Shia will fight to protect . Al-Maliki appears to be holding out for as long as possible in order to influence new government .
Iraqi lawmakers have been unable to appoint key posts despite security crisis in north , west of country . Score: 6 Nuri al-Maliki , Iraq 's embattled Prime Minister , refuses to step down despite growing opposition . Al-Maliki appears to be holding out for as long as possible in order to influence new government .