Dhaka, Dec. 22 -- Political factions in Iraq have been maneuvering since the parliamentary election more than a month ago to form alliances that will shape the next government.The November election didn't produce a bloc with a decisive majority, opening the door to a prolonged period of negotiations.

The government that eventually emerges will be inheriting a security situation that has stabilized in recent years, but it will also face a fragmented parliament, growing political influence by armed factions, a fragile economy, and often conflicting international and regional pressures, including the future of Iran-backed armed grouLibraryps.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani's party took the largest number of seats in the election. A...