Can Iraq's new leaders deliver stability after months of deadlock?

Barham Salih, Iraq's newly elected President stands during a handover ceremony at Salam Palace in Baghdad, Iraq October 3, 2018. REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani

SULAIMANIYA, Iraq (Reuters) - The election of a respected Kurdish politician as Iraq's new president and his designation of a compromise figure as premier gives the country a fighting chance of achieving stability after years of sectarian bloodshed, war and economic turmoil.

President Barham Salih, 58, who was elected by parliament, is respected by both the United States and Iran, arch-rivals whose competition for influence in Iraq has fuelled factionalism in a country already dogged by deep sectarian rifts.