Among other candidates in the Maliki alliance are Oil Minister Hussain al Shahristani, lawmaker and women's rights activist Safia al Suhail and the prime minister's close advisers from his Dawa Party. "The alliance includes a group of the best of your brothers and sisters from all elements, shades, political and intellectual inclinations of our society ... It includes leaders of our honored tribes, expressing our belief in the unity of Iraq, its diverse culture and ancient historical heritage, all of which enhance its national unity." Iraq has a thorny path ahead before the vote Jan. 16. Full Article at McClatchy