Today marks yet one more historic milestone in a Democratic Iraq as the Cabinet was officially sworn in.

“You all know the heavy legacy inherited by this government. We are afflicted by corruption, lack of services, unemployment and mass graves,” al-Jaafari told lawmakers after taking the oath of office before the National Assembly. “I would like to tell the widows and orphans … your sacrifices have not gone in vain.”

One by one, al-Jaafari and members of his Cabinet walked to a podium and pledged to defend Iraq and its people as Iraqis faced a surge of violence that has killed nearly 170 people in six days.

There are two positions which are held by temporary members while al-Jaafari tries to find a moderate Sunni without ties to the insurgency to fill the positions.

JackLewis.net linked with Iraqi government sworn in