Not a great day for Iraqi politics Posted by Ilan Goldenberg

This has not been a very good news day out of Iraq.  First of all, we have more stories about the Sunni Awakening Forces losing patience with the United States. 

U.S. efforts to manage this fast-growing movement of about 80,000 armed men are still largely effective, but in some key areas the control is fraying. The tensions are the most serious since the Awakening was launched in Anbar province in late 2006, according to Iraqi officials, U.S. commanders and 20 Awakening leaders across Iraq. Some U.S. military officials say they are growing concerned that the Sunni insurgent group al-Qaeda in Iraq has infiltrated Awakening forces in some areas.

"Now, there is no cooperation with the Americans," said Haider Mustafa al-Kaisy, an Awakening commander in Baqubah, the capital of Diyala province, an insurgent stronghold that U.S. and Iraqi forces are still struggling to control. "We have stopped fighting al-Qaeda..."

In the past two months, he [a former commander in the Islamic Army, an insurgent group] said, 20 of his fighters have quit. Many felt their monthly salary was no longer worth the risk of fighting al-Qaeda in Iraq. His men also have not received their salaries in two months, he said. "We'll all be patient for another two months. If nothing changes, then we'll suspend and quit," Kassim said. "Then we'll go back to fighting the Americans."

If that isn't unnerving enough, we also find out that the provincial elections law was vetoed by the Presidential Council, which consists of the Shi'a Vice President Adel Abdul Mehdi, Kurdish President Jalal Talabi and Sunni Vice President Tariq Al Hashemi.  So now it goes back to Parliament.  Many in American military and diplomatic circles have emphasized the importance of this law, and I agree that it's important (even though I have some reservations).  But what I find tremendously important here is that the whole point of how the three legislative pieces that were passed a couple of weeks ago was a negotiation between the Kurds, Sunnis and Shi'a to push through three bills as one package that would appeal to each.  If the Presidential Council is then going to cherry pick and send one of the three bills back while passing the other two, you'd imagine there would be some pretty unhappy people sitting in Parliament and that it will really undermine the Parliamentary process going forward.   

The other confusing element here is that the person who actually had the strongest objection to the provincial powers was Abdul Mehdi - a member of ISCI, the largest Shi'a political party.  Now ISCI is very much into a decentralized state with most of the power at the local level.  And the reason for the veto was that the provincial powers law gave too much power to the central government.  But, when the three bill compromise was worked out in parliament the provincial powers law was supposed to be the part that was meant to placate the Shi'a. I'm surprised.  Why would they then veto it?  Either there was something in the bill that they hadn't considered, or they were bargaining in bad faith.  We'll have to wait and see.

Anyway, the clincher for the day was Prime Minister Maliki's view on Iraq these days.

National reconciliation among Iraqis has succeeded. We have succeeded in eliminating sectarianism.

Yup.  Maliki must be taking his public speaking lessons from Bush.  If you say it enough times - even if it has no basis in reality - it must be true.

Comments

[Greg Sanders]

Yeah, I found the Post similarly dispiriting this morning. Although the last veto threat, that time by the Sunni VP, apparently was a bluff. I'm a bit confused on what is up with the Presidential Council.

[Eric Martin]

Why would they then veto it? Either there was something in the bill that they hadn't considered, or they were bargaining in bad faith. We'll have to wait and see.

Ilan,

ISCI doesn't want to hold provincial elections because they are likely to lose power in some areas, and so they tried to kill this part of the package.

The Sadrist current boycotted the last round of regional elections in January 2005. As such, ISCI is overrepresented. Add to that the fact that the Sadrists have been gaining in popularity, while ISCI has been tied to the unpopular Green Zone government, and - voila - ISCI opposes local elections.

For principled reasons I'm sure.

[viperson]

buy cheap tramadol | cheap tramadol

[viperson]

a href="http://tramadolhlc.com">order tramadol | buy discount tramadol | buy tramadol ship worldwide

[viperson]

http://www.democracyarsenal.org/2008/05/mccains-hamas-f.html
order tramadol

[cheap kamas]

They supply dofus kamas.
They also supply cheapest kamas for the customer.
I usually buydofus gold from them. If you want to
buy dofus kamas, please contact them.

[runescape gold]

Yesterday, my boyfriend gave me a lot of runescape gold as the gift. But I will buy runescape or rs gold to return him because I do not like that someone gives me something free. Although the runescape money is attractive for me, I will insist on returning it to him.

[rohan money]

I get a lot of rohan crone and the rohan gold is very important for anyone who wants to play the net game. Most of the rohan online croneis the access to the net game. If you have the rohan online gold, you can make good use of them to enjoy yourself in the game.

[dd]

I hope i can get wakfu kamas in low price,
Yesterday i bought wakfu gold for my friend.

[Lord Of The Rings Gold]

What do you know LOTRO Gold. Do you want to have a try? You can get Lord Of The Rings Gold here.

[Replica Prada Handbags]

What do you know LOTRO Gold.

[Tiffany replica Bangle]

What do you know LOTRO Gold. Do you want to have a try? You can get Lord Of The Rings Gold here.

[luxury watches]

I am so with you,rolex watch
luxury watch

[girltam]

Le vigilanze di fake rolex della replica sono mano messa; sono polished e fabbricate per incontrare le richieste e gli sguardi di originale.

[cheap coach handbags]

Thank you for your sharing! I like i very much!

[fake breitling montbrillant olympus]

I have seen whole sale fake breitling montbrillant olympus of good quality and of good design and features,they serve the same properties as like original watches but in cheap price.today people are more attracted towards these fake rolex and they are easily available also in the market.

[nike air max]

0314
The Nike air max Shoe lives up to its name with plush cushioning and a sleek silhouette. It brings you just what you need to style it up wherever you go. you can look at the Air max 2009,air max 90,Air max 95,Air Max 2010
Features:
* Minimalistic construction of leathers and synthetics in the upper
* Nike Shox technology for optimal cushioning
* Rubber outsole for excellent grip

[bvlgari watches]

The FRANCK MULLER Watch Santa FRANCK MULLER Watch Monica-based

[digimon]

Nice site! Very professional and full of information.Thanks for the post like this……….

[replica handbags]

There is no black and white colors, such as gray and red like a timeless classic, and eventually replica handbagsbecome worse, Homme Dior, black A06 wake up call, the foreigners rouge, further improve the design of the initial sales to noble pure deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA) Homme Dior, Dior men will bring clean ao in front of us the overall structure, surrounded by a black dial, simplereplica handbags and stylish design style spirit of Dior Homme.

[k247br]

Known as replica chanel replica chanel
Los Angeles' "Ambassador of replica gucci replica gucci
Boogie Funk," D?m-Funk represents the citizens of the Funkmosphere. Headquartered in replica hermes replica hermes
the Leimert Park section of L.A., D?m (pronounced: dame) has been dedicated over the last few years to cultivating a musical renaissance replica louis vuitton replica louis vuitton
rooted in the early-'80s styles known discount handbags discount handbags
as Boogie, Modern designer handbags designer handbags
Soul and Electro-Funk.

[ugg sale]

I spent Wednesday through Friday of last week at a national security conference at Princeton hosted by the awe-inspiring Anne-Marie Slaughter, Dean of the Woodrow Wilson School and a blogger at America Abroad.

[ugg classic tall]

Shi’a rivals who fear appearing to be weak on an issue that is central to post-war Shi’a identity.

[Tiffany bracelet]

Great site. This could probably have the refactoring tag added t it.

[Cheap Handbags]

Just want to say what a great blog you got here!I've been around for quite a lot of time, but finally decided to show my appreciation of your work!

[Replica watch]

Hi, where did you get this information can you please support this with some proof or you may say some good reference as I and others will really appreciate. This information is really good and I will say will always be helpful if we try it risk free. So if you can back it up. That will really help us all. And this might bring some good repute to you.

[NYC criminal Attorney]

Hi, where did you get this information can you please support this with some proof or you may say some good reference as I and others will really appreciate. This information is really good and I will say will always be helpful if we try it risk free. So if you can back it up. That will really help us all. And this might bring some good repute to you.

[Designer handbag]

Hi, where did you get this information can you please support this with some proof or you may say some good reference as I and others will really appreciate. This information is really good and I will say will always be helpful if we try it risk free. So if you can back it up. That will really help us all. And this might bring some good repute to you.

[Work From Home Jobs]

IT is easy for each of us to blame those who don't agree with our agenda, but sadly there is no way to climb the political ladder on either side and not lose focus by becoming soaked on the complicated mire of always trying to walk a fine line.

Work From Home Jobs

[designer belts]

Thank you for taking the time to publish this information very useful!I'm still waiting for some interesting thoughts from your side in your next post thanks.

[ugg classic tall]

the highest-grade sheepskin availableugg outlet , is the age which suitable to restore the old, the every large or small varied assortment the classical design again returned to people's line of sight, from the wind series's return, 3 rewirings went forth to battle recently to Classic Short UGG the Garnett ... Classic Tiffany Jewelry. Publisher: Alina008. As we all know that ...ugg classic tall is packed in cartons and Blue Ribbon is the symbol of Tiffany jewelry..

[mexslysyn]

If you could message me with any pointers about how you made this blog site look like this, I’d be appreciative.

NEWS

[Criminal Defense Attorney NY]

It is a very nice thing to see your excellent work and I like your article very much. With your rich knowledge, we can learn more from your wonderful post. Thanks so much.

[cityville cheats]

Wow! what an idea ! What a concept ! Beautiful

[Criminal Defense Attorney NYC]

I spent Wednesday through Friday of last week at a national security conference at Princeton hosted by the awe-inspiring Anne-Marie Slaughter, Dean of the Woodrow Wilson School and a blogger at America Abroad
Criminal Defense Attorney NYC

[Person Guyz]

I spent Wednesday through Friday of last week at a national security conference at Princeton hosted by the awe-inspiring Anne-Marie Slaughter, Dean of the Woodrow Wilson School and a blogger at America Abroad.
Masters In Sports

[Digital Converter Box]

That was a very interesting read, thanks for taking the time to post it.

[Person Guyz]

Yeah, I found the Post similarly dispiriting this morning. Although the last veto threat, that time by the Sunni VP, apparently was a bluff. I'm a bit confused on what is up with the Presidential Council.
bachelor-of-business-administration

[revitol scar cream]

I don't think he's taking them from Bush- cause at least he can express him very well!!
Thanks for the post.
Jackie with the Buy revitol scar cream health blog

[Kostenlose Spiele]

Thank you for taking the time to publish this information very useful!I'm still waiting for some interesting thoughts from your side in your next post thanks.
Kostenlose Spiele

[John]

Thanks for the post. This keeps me informed about the topic.

[Dog bark collars]

Thanks for the article. This keeps me informed about the topic.

[Venapro hemorrhoid relief]

Thanks for the marvelous posting! I really enjoyed reading it, you happen to be a great author.I will ensure that I bookmark your blog and will often come back down the road. I want to encourage you to continue your great posts, have a nice afternoon! If you have time, please give me a few seconds by visiting my website at where to buy venapro. The average sailor spends anywhere from a few weeks to several months on the Reagan without setting foot on land. This one country, overwhelmed with unsolved domestic problems and corruption, oblivious to all of the death, destruction, and suffering it has caused, somehow believes that it and it alone knows what is best for every human being on the planet.

[No bark dog collar]

Thanks for the article. This keeps me informed about the topic. Learn more about citronella bark collar citronella anti bark collar premier citronella anti bark collar. It means investing your time and money in something that might not give you immediate return, but which could give you tremendous value later. It also means preparing for the uncertainties of the future. This one country, overwhelmed with unsolved domestic problems and corruption, oblivious to all of the death, destruction, and suffering it has caused, somehow believes that it and it alone knows what is best for every human being on the planet.

[Bathroom cabinets]

My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find a lot of your post's to be exactly I'm looking for. can you offer guest writers to write content in your case?

[daycare grants]

Am I a snob? Maybe. But if they can't write a simple paragraph, then do I really want to be with that person?

[daycare]

Just read your post and would like to thank you for maintaining such a cool blog.
daycare

[Wells Fargo Retirement]

i think now the politics in Iraq will be hot again, because Yemen and Egypt already begin the hot politic, i wish it will be good again.

[Tesla Energy]

This may be genuinely fascinating but how will i bookmark this particular? cake decorating.

[Anime Wallpapers]

now the Livia is have a hot politic condition there, whether this is a causal of hot politic in Iraq

[Jan]

The Sadrist current boycotted the last round of regional elections in January 2005. As such, ISCI is overrepresented. Add to that the fact that the Sadrists have been gaining in popularity, while ISCI has been tied to the unpopular Green Zone government, and - voila - ISCI opposes local elections. Jan

[cna classes]

The thoughts I gained in discovering this write-up today was wonderful. Whenever I visit your blog I regularly pick up something new. Your writing inspires my sense of creative imagination. Carry on the nice work.

[gas card]

Some guy in a button-down striped shirt who was this or that European bureau chief from the Washington Post looked down at his watch and excitedly said: "Great! It's noon straight up," and taking out a large transistor short wave radio from a knapsack, said: "We can tune into the BBC and hear what's going on at the front."

[wholesale china]

i think now the politics in Iraq will be hot again, because Yemen and Egypt already begin the hot politic, i wish it will be good again.
Android Tablet PC

Android 2.2 Tablet

Android Tablet 2.2

[wholesale imitation jewelry]

My spouse and I absolutely love your blog and find a lot of your post's to be just what I'm looking for.

[sun]

A few concerns: it complains when run w/o -r, so it's pretty much required for x11grab. Also, even 500kb/s gives awful quality if you try to do a screencast, so better keep -sameq, and post-process later. web hosting india

[semi canapa]

Hope they are able to get the trust from the public.

[tax attorney]

I could tell that we’re on the same interest and obsession. Good to know someone I could share my ideas. Looking forward to know and learn some more from you. I'll be glad to share my own thoughts to you soon. Thank you for sharing such valuable articles. More power!

[Cheap Oakley Sunglasses]

That is very kind of you to write this share for us, thanks a lot.

[suntrust student loans]

ISCI does not wish to hold provincial elections since they're prone to lose energy in certain areas, and they also attempted to kill this area of the package.

The Sadrist current boycotted the final round of regional elections in The month of january 2005. As a result, ISCI is overrepresented. Add to this the proven fact that the Sadrists happen to be attaining in recognition, while ISCI continues to be associated with the unpopular Eco-friendly Zone government, and - voila - ISCI opposes local elections.

[RizzutosWideShoes.com]

The month of january 2005. As a result, ISCI is overrepresented. Add to this the proven fact that the Sadrists happen to be attaining in recognition, while ISCI continues to be associated with the unpopular Eco-friendly Zone government, and - voila - ISCI opposes local elections.

[juicy couture outlet]

the final round of regional elections

[usb monitors]

The website www.anextraeye.com has gone out to provide what we feel are the best for price in each category of video baby monitors.
The selection includes wireless baby monitors, wireless digital Baby monitors as well as wireless usb monitors to help you keep an extra eye on your child.
All of their Video Baby monitors are wireless systems that can help you stay connected and aware of your baby's needs. They can alert you to times when your baby is crying or needs your help even if you are not in the
same room. It is like having an extra set of eyes that help you keep a closer watch on your baby for safety and peace of mind.

[Justein1998]

This article gives the light in which we can observe the reality.
Hotels in Berlin

[Revitol Scar Removal]

Sometimes the great moves are not so popular, this is when real leaders should lead and disregard the internal politics.

[how to make a solar panel]

ISCI does not wish to hold provincial elections since they're prone to lose energy in certain areas, and they also attempted to kill this area of the package.

The Sadrist current boycotted the final round of regional elections in The month of january 2005. As a result, ISCI is overrepresented. Add to this the proven fact that the Sadrists happen to be attaining in recognition, while ISCI continues to be associated with the unpopular Eco-friendly Zone government, and - voila - ISCI opposes local elections.

[ralph lauren outlet]

In his speech on October 29th, Mr Cameron cleverly framed immigration in broader questions of demography and social cohesion. He also expounded on family breakdown and the difficulties posed by an ageing population. Tighter restrictions on foreign spouses were presented as a measure to prevent forced marriages, rather than to keep people out. He will, however, have pleased his right wing by saying that immigration should be “substantially lower”—a statement that other parties have so far avoided.

What has been missed by almost everyone in the debate, however, is that most immigration is out of the hands of politicians. Folebron james shoesreign-born holders of British passports, EU residents and spouses of those already in Britain make up the vast majority of newcomers. The remainder, at whom all these tough-sounding policies are aimed, account for at most a third.

King Abdullah heads a flawed state. All the more reason to invite him

FOR all the talk of security breaches and boycotts, the first Saudi Arabian state vikobe visit to Britain in 20 years passed off as these things usually do—with mutual expressions of goodwill and a few minor agreements. In the crowds gathered to watch Queen Elizabeth and King Abdullah process by carriage down the Mall,
protesters were lost among the tourists and policemen. The acting leader of the Liberal Democrats refused to meet the Saudi delegation on moral grounds, and David Miliband, the foreign secretary, bailed out to spend time with his new son.

Cue the first mini-controversy: Mr Miliband's cancellation was announced on the day the BBC aired clips from an interview in whictory burch outlet King Abdullah claimed Britain had ignored Saudi intelligence that might have prevented the London bombings of 2005. Mr Miliband's withdrawal was a riposte, suggested gossips; nonsense, said the Foreign Officembt scarpe, which denied the king's claims too.

It was only a minor spat, and reasonably swiftly contained. But the fact that it flared aPolo Ralph Laurent all shows the strong feelings that Saudi Arabia engenders in Britain these days. A rising power in the Middle East,

[autism products]

The Sadrist current boycotted the final round of regional elections in The month of january 2005. As a result, ISCI is overrepresented. Add to this the proven fact that the Sadrists happen to be attaining in recognition, while ISCI continues to be associated with the unpopular Eco-friendly Zone government, and - voila - ISCI opposes local election

[bobby Carswell]

Well today it seems to be getting better.

http://www.angieslist.com/companylist/us/oh/cincinnati/henry-insurance-agenc
y-reviews-2043672.aspx

[Syreeta Sawatzki]

It is really true that, Iraq is not now standing in politically safe condition s it is controlled by United State.
Reverse Phone Lookup

[roblox cheats]

I continue to pray that things settle properly over there sooner rather than later. Things are getting better but that's still a lot to be desired.
Roblox cheats

[Gift Basket Review]

This is one of the most incredible blogs I've read in a very long time. The amount of information in here is stunning, like you practically wrote the book on the subject. Your blog is great for anyone who wants to understand this subject more. Great stuff; please keep it up!

[glass balustrade melbourne]

Hi, very nice and awesome post. Very nice information. Nice for understanding. Hope you will continue it.

[Ray]

That was very interesting. Learned a lot about Iraqi politics.

[juicy couture handbag]

I like this very muche. Thanks you very much !

[Johns]

Is there ever a good day in Iraq? On a more serious note, it does seem like the situation there is slowly improving as the years go by.

[Discount Travel Insurance]

Iraq needs to use Canadian style federal political system!

[St Louis Electricians]

@Johns... Nope! Don't think there is ever a good in Iraq.. but yeah I'd agree with you that it does seem to be gradually getting better.

[How To Get Rid Of Blackheads Fast]

I think that Iraq has become a lot better since we went there. It was a dictator ruling it before. It is much better now for the people who live there.

[How To Get Rid Of Back Acne]

I just hope that Iraq does not go back to the way it was before we went there. It would be sad to se it ruled by a dictator again.

[Johanne Cezar]

There is a ton of good information here, thanks for making this free to the public. ~johanne potty training

[Dijeta]

I just hope that Iraq does not go back to the way it was before we went there.

[Tutor Finder]

Before the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003, the Ba'ath Party officially ruled. Iraq was occupied by foreign troops beginning with the 2003 invasion of Iraq, with military forces coming primarily from the United States and the United Kingdom.

[nextiva reviews]

Thanks for sharing.

[wedding invitations]

It is not easy to forgive our enemies if we think that we have enemies. But one thing is sure, we have to forgive other people.

[User Health Reviews]

In Iraq there is what they called "Inside Iraqi Politics" a special series dedicated to examining political progress in Iraq, with a focus on issues that affect the country's stability and the reconciliation between ethnic and religious sects. The product of more than a dozen interviews with American and Iraqi officials and months of research, the series presents a more comprehensive view of factors that slow progress beyond sectarian interest, including the rapid growth of the government, administrative inexperience, corruption, and the structure of the executive and legislative branches outlined in the Iraqi Constitution.

[Madieson Smith]

Great blog! You have assembled a tremendous amount of useful information here. I will keenly look further to your future updates.

Let the experts give you good solutions and advice about cannot delete file problems.

[Polihrono]

Itˇs actually a nice and useful piece of information. I am satisfied that you simply shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

[Sexlegetoj]

No doubt that this war, as all others, is one long sad story of sorrow and missery. Good intensions and great deeds, you have to look far for now a days.

[Hypnosis & Hypnotherapy Los angeles]

This is the result of trying to impose "democracy" in Iraq by military force. Thinking this will overcome the economics, geography and history of the country. All the forces and pressures that create the ruling factions are not removed, and bubble up as soon as the military grip relaxes. Same in Afganistan. And no American backed government was able to stabilize South Vietnam. Etc.

[Capsiplex Review]

Well there is certainly a lot of different opinions on this subject and various interpretations. I just hope that Iraq does not go back to the way it was before we went there. Free Printable Coupons

[Phen375 Review]

It's a little frightening reading about Iraq but very worthwhile information. Learned a lot about Iraqi politics. Phen375

[voucher]

That's what all nations longing for FREEDOM. There should be an equal distribution in all aspects of life. We all the tights to speak out our views. And there's nothing wrong on it.

[Oglasi posao]

We enjoy most articles posted at this site. We wish the top stories contained more listings however. Overall good site.

[Kira]

Thanks for the information, I enjoyed it.

[3d4d ultrasound]

Hey, good post! Here is nice vibram five finger sharing with you, just enjoy! I promise it won't let you down! So don't miss it!

[diamond rings]

You have shared a lot of valuable information.

[Oakley Sunglasses]

You have made a very nice blog. Your texts is extremely good content. It would be super with a widget like Facebook like buttom. I have integrated it on my blog and it attracts attention. The more comments the more motivated you will become in designing your next piece.

[headphone]

I love the imformation you shared , Thank you ！！！

[Part Time Jobs]

Impressive stuff here. The information and the aspect were just wonderful. I think that your viewpoint is deep, it’s just well thought out and truly incredible to see someone who knows how to put these thoughts so well. Good job!
Get the best part time jobs here.