Chalabi Rises Again in Iraq

Onetime Pentagon darling Ahmad Chalabi may contend for a major Iraqi government position, leading the U.S. to become uneasy, reports the Los Angeles Times. Chalabi helped the Bush administration during its invasion of Iraq but has since been a thorn in America's side after the U.S. dumped him as its favorite in 2004. Now, events appear to be supporting Chalabi in a bid for reentering parliament as a leading Shiite candidate and possible replacement for a high post. During the last few weeks, top brass have become concerned with Chalabi's ties with Iran, although the Iraqi denies passing information to its neighbor. Like many other Iraqi Shiite leaders, Chalabi doesn't hide the face that he has "many friends" in Tehran, but maintains that he had never acted on behalf of Iran.