Iraq president asks Abadi to form new government

Iraq's president has asked Deputy Parliament Speaker Haider al-Abadi
to form a new government, officials say.

Mr Abadi has been nominated as prime minister by Shia parties, instead
of the incumbent Nouri Maliki.

But Mr Maliki has made it clear he wants to stand for a third term,
and earlier said he intends to take the president to court.

Meanwhile the jihadist insurgency in the north of Iraq continues to
cause international concern.

The Kurds there have appealed for international military aid to help
defeat militants from the Islamic State (IS) group, who have recently
made substantial gains, forcing tens of thousands of people from
religious minorities from their homes.

BBC