Iraq’s parliament swore in dozens of new lawmakers on Thursday to replace a bloc loyal to the powerful Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, strengthening the power of rival Iran-backed politicians in the assembly. The bloc of 73 Sadrist parliamentarians resigned two weeks ago after months of stalemate over forming a new government. Shia lawmaker Ahmed Rubaie, whose party is part of an Iran-backed bloc, said that coalition was now the main force in the 329-seat parliament. “Following the Sadr lawmakers’ resignation, we can confirm that we are the largest bloc in parliament with around 130 seats after t…