Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has announced the appointment of his son, Ahmed al-Maliki, as assistant to the director of the bureau of the prime minister.
Former bureau director Dr. Tareq Najm resigned his post after losing much of his authority.
Al-Maliki's son exercises considerable influence on government agencies, while al-Maliki's sons-in-law play a key role in the intelligence services.
Ahmad al-Maliki served as a director of procurement in the office of prime minister before moving to other businesses.
[Knowledgeable Iraqis maintain that as director of procurement Ahmad al-Maliki has accumulated considerable personal wealth.]
Source: Wasatonline, January 29, 2011
