Captain Firas Al-Timimi of the Iraqi army displays his ink stained finger at Basra Palace in Basra, Iraq, after casting his vote in the country's election Monday, Dec. 12, 2005.  (Photo: AP ) The current government of Iraq took office on May 20, 2006 following approval by the Iraqi National Assembly. This followed the general election held in December 2005. The government succeeded the Iraqi Transitional Government, which had continued in a caretaker capacity after the election and until the new government was seated. <<< Click on the names at left to read profiles of Iraq's current leadership. Credits:  CBS, AP