Chalabi now holds key position in Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- Ahmed Chalabi's off-again on-again relationship with the United States has reheated with the former Iraqi exile occupying a key post in Baghdad.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has appointed Chalabi to head up the restoration of services such as water and electricity to Baghdad, The Los Angeles Times reported.

A spokeswoman for the U.S. embassy refused to discuss Chalabi, the Times said. But the military and State Department must now work closely with him.

The Iraqi government was more forthcoming.

Ali Dabbagh, a government spokesman, said Chalabi, before gaining his current appointment, worked with Maliki on a security committee.

"Why not? He's an Iraqi, he's a politician, he's been a deputy prime minister and he's capable of running such a committee," Dabbagh responded when asked why Maliki named Chalabi to head the restoration effort.

Before the invasion of Iraq, Chalabi was a favorite of the Bush administration. But three years ago the United States accused him of passing information to Iran and the military raided his properties in Baghdad.