MESOP INSIGHT IRAQ

Iraq’s top Shiite cleric Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani called on political blocs to reach a deal on the country’s next prime minister before the new parliament convenes on July 1. Prominent Shiite leaders are considering alternatives to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki due to growing concerns that he cannot lead an inclusive government. Iraqi forces have launched an attack on the city of Tikrit attempting to regain control from ISIL-led militants. Helicopters fired on a university campus, where one was reportedly downed after coming under fire. Human Rights Watch reported it has evidence from satellite images and photos from militants that ISIL fighters executed up to 190 captive soldiers after seizing Tikrit on June 11. Meanwhile, U.S. officials are continuing to evaluate intelligence on the ISIL offensive in Iraq from up to 35 surveillance planes and drones. Noting that it could take weeks to get a detailed picture of the situation, officials said that U.S. airstrikes do not appear imminent.