ANALYSIS : Iraqi Prime Minister has vowed to fight the election of his successor . Haider al - Abadi , the former speaker of Parliament , is working to form a government . But can he unite the country and fight off the sweeping Islamic State advance ? ` The United States backs the prime minister - designate and has stepped up aid . The militant group Islamic State has made sweeping advances in Iraq 's north .
ANALYSIS : Iraqi Prime Minister has vowed to fight the election of his successor . Haider al - Abadi , the former speaker of Parliament , is working to form a government . The United States backs the prime minister - designate and has stepped up aid . The militant group Islamic State has made sweeping advances in Iraq 's north .