Shiite Bloc Ready to Forgo Interior Post

Are these groups beginning to learn the fine art of compromise?

The move could clear a major stumbling block in government talks with Sunnis and Kurds. In return, the coalition seeks control of Defense.

BAGHDAD — Leaders of Iraq's powerful Shiite Muslim political bloc said Friday that they were willing to give up control over the Interior Ministry and its police forces, a move that could ease both the fears of other sectarian groups and the formation of a new government.

Under Shiite leadership for the last year, the ministry has been accused of providing cover for death squads and militias that have targeted minority Sunni Arabs, stoking mistrust of security forces and spurring the growth of destabilizing armed groups.