Iraqi leader’s position uncertain

The move did not resolve a dispute among Iraqi politicians over who among the members of Parliament elected March 7 will lead the next government. But it appeared to leave Maliki in a weaker position as his former political allies renewed negotiations with the Sunni-backed coalition led by former prime minister Ayad Allawi.

Both Maliki and Allawi claim the right to form the new government, citing conflicting interpretations of the constitution. Neither has found enough allies in Parliament to secure the simple majority required to appoint the next prime minister.

US officials have watched the stalemate with growing consternation as they prepare for their own transition.

The United States will soon send a new ambassador and a new commanding general to Baghdad as the US troop withdrawal accelerates. The US military will draw down to roughly 50,000 troops by the end of the month.

American officials had hoped to make the change of guard after a new Iraqi government was seated, thinking an experienced US team would be better positioned to handle any unrest and violence triggered by the Iraqi transition of power.

In coming days, the White House will dispatch a team to Baghdad to assist with the transition and assess US policy regarding Iraq’s stagnant government formation process, American and Iraqi officials said.

The political bickering has angered residents as government services deteriorate and attacks kill scores of civilians each month.

July was Iraq’s deadliest month in more than two years, according to Iraqi government figures, suggesting that a resilient insurgency is successfully taking advantage of the delays in forming a new government.

The figures released late Saturday show that 535 people — including 396 civilians — died in attacks in July, according to Iraqi government officials who compile data from records kept by the Interior, Defense, and Health ministries. Fifty Iraqi soldiers and 89 police officers were killed.

At least 680 civilians were wounded in attacks, the officials said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the government does not release the data publicly.

The US military disputed the accuracy of the figures. The military said its data showed 222 Iraqis had been killed in July. “We do our very best to be vigilant to ensure the numbers we report are as accurate as can be,’’ spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Bob Owen said.

Yesterday’s political developments left officials wondering how Maliki would respond.

“He can do unexpected things that are not even in his best interest when he’s cornered,’’ said an American official who advises the Iraqi government.

Bahaa al-Aaraji, a member of Parliament, said the religious parties would open a new round of talks with their counterparts in Allawi’s bloc and a Kurdish coalition in coming days. He said they would resume talks with Maliki’s slate only if he agrees to nominate a substitute candidate for prime minister.

Material from the Associated Press was included in this report.