Iraq’s President Talabani Suffers Stroke
Iraq’s President Jalal Talabani with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki stand for the national anthem during a 2011 ceremony to mark the end of American military presence in Iraq, in Baghdad. (Photo: REUTERS/Pool)
The president of Iraq, Jalal Talabani, is sick.
According to medical officials in Baghdad, the 79-year-old former Kurdish warlord had a stroke on Tuesday.
He is to be evacuated to Germany for treatment.
Baghdad-based correspondent, Jane Arraf, says he seems to be recovering well.
His role has been critical, Arraf says, in resolving Iraq’s many toxic political disputes.
His departure, she adds, would lead to a power struggle.
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