Via the New York Times, we get the initial rumblings of the avalanche that is to come:
BAGHDAD, Iraq, Aug. 25 - The National Assembly today called off a meeting that was scheduled to decide on the draft constitution, the Speaker's office said, and no new date for the meeting was immediately announced.
A vote on the document was originally deferred Monday by the Speaker, Hajim al-Hassani, who said three days of talks would be held to try to win over Sunni Arab negotiators.
It appears, however, that no agreement has been reached so far with the Sunnis on the question of federalism, which would essentially set up powerful local regions instead of a strong central government.
The article goes on to point out that there are two options: vote the present constitution (which the Sunni's hate, and would lead to civil war) or wait and try to convince the Sunnis to sign on (which makes the central government look weak, encourages more violence, and is technically illegal, which also makes them look weak, and encourages violence). Neither option is "high quality."
I suspect everyone is screwed. That includes us.
Posted by baltar at August 25, 2005 11:22 AM | TrackBack | Posted to International AffairsIt's always a good sign to have rallies in support of your ousted brutal dictator, isn't it?
Posted by: binky at August 26, 2005 12:27 PM | PERMALINK