"...the Sunni-backed secular Iraqiya bloc and a Kurdish coalition representing the oil-rich, semi-autonomous north -- responded with little enthusiasm.
A source in Iraqiya, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the party was strongly opposed to Maliki retaining his post in a new government." Reuters
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I sincerely hope that a coalition government that includes Allawi's forces and at least one major Kurdish party can be formed. That development would stabilize Iraq for a time. Whether or not the deep divisions among the peoples of Iraq would be healed by such an arrangement would remain to be seen. pl
It looks like still about 50,000 US forces in Iraq until Easter! If this is correct what impact can US have on Iraq, in other words what is the best use of these remainder men and women in 2011?
Posted by: William R. Cumming | 11 October 2010 at 06:54 AM
Last week, http://www.roadstoiraq.com/2010/10/01/malikis-nomination-iranian-pressure-or-a-secret-deal/>Roads to Iraq reported from ME sources that the Sadrist got promises from Maliki/SOL that:
1) All Sadrists political prisoners would be released.
2) Sadrists would get control of General Secretariat of Ministries.
3) Sadrists would gain control of the anti-terrorism security apparatus.
4) Sadrists would head up 5 service ministries.
5) Mahdi Army leader Mohamed Abdel Hamid would head the Interior (Intelligence)Ministry.
This is of course on top of the move within the INA throughout the negotiations to empower the clerical establishment to officially negotiate binding fatwas in political matters AND that an empowered Sadr will keep Maliki's head to the wheel when it comes to troop withdrawal dates.
If all this pans out Iraq could very well be on a one way course toward Iranian sectarian style governance.
Odd, that there's so little interest in this possibly monumental development.
Posted by: anna missed | 12 October 2010 at 02:11 AM