Cabinet Changes Expected Early Next Month

Sources close to the Iraqi cabinet said that prime minister Nuri al-Maliki intends to significantly reshuffle the government after consulting with political blocs. These sources told al-Sabah al-Jadeed that the changes will include replacing the heads of nine ministries that have not performed at the highest level. The sources indicated that the changes will be announced at the beginning of next month after Maliki returns from his international tour, which included Britain and the United States. The sources said the changes will include the interior and defence ministers and the head of one of the key ministries affecting the country's economy. The changes will also include some service and education ministries. Transport minister Kareem Mahdi Salih resigned early on in Maliki's administration, and the sources said the transport ministry will also be included in the cabinet reshuffle.