Iraq elected a Sunni Arab as Parliament speaker . It marks first real step to form new government after lawmakers previously , failed to make a move . Iraq is facing a powerful insurgency from the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria . While lawmakers are under pressure to act quickly , the political body has had trouble moving swiftly in the past . Secretary of State John Kerry offers congratulations to Iraq .
Iraq elected a Sunni Arab as Parliament speaker . It marks first real step to form new government after lawmakers previously , failed to make a move . Iraq is facing a powerful insurgency from the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria . Secretary of State John Kerry offers congratulations to Iraq .