Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki will finally step aside in favor of his rival, Haider al-Abadi, according to the Associated Press. Four senior Shiite lawmakers told the AP that "Maliki has agreed to endorse Haider al-Abadi as the next prime minister following a meeting of Dawa party members in Baghdad."

Maliki, who had refused repeated requests to step down, is expected to announce his decision and his support for Abadi during a speech to the public tonight.

[Image via AP]