Sunni Political Participation in Iraq
While on leave, I am doing my best to read the 30+ articles that I stacked on my desk in my "read" pile. In doing so, I have read much about the significance of the Sunni participation in the political process over the past 7 months. All the "smart-guys" seem to disagree as to whether this is a good sign or not. Cordesman asserts that Sunni political participation in no way indicates that they chose politics over violence, but rather, demonstrates their desire to follow the IRA model, which could complicate things considerably. Are Iraqi Rejectionists truly trying to "derail" the political process or simply using it as an alternative enabler/campaign? Is Sunni participation truly a metric of success for the coalition? Any thoughts?
Sunni pullout from the government?
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/...eat/index.html
Quote:
From Nic Robertson
CNN
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BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Iraq's top Sunni official has set a deadline of next week for pulling his entire bloc out of the government -- a potentially devastating blow to reconciliation efforts within Iraq. He also said he turned down an offer by President Bush to visit Washington until he can count more fully on U.S. help.
Iraqi Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi made his comments in an interview with CNN. He said if key amendments to the Iraq Constitution are not made by May 15, he will step down and pull his 44 Sunni politicians out of the 275-member Iraqi parliament.
Seems we are going to find ourselves over a barrel shortly...
Maliki Assists U.S. Enemies
Maliki has not only helped the enemies of the U.S., but has worked to undermine Iraqi security, if security is defined as reconciliation. But as long as the U.S. administration (and in particular, the State Department) has an irrational devotion and commitment to Maliki, we may be doomed. Best to throw our weight in behind Allawi and a secular government. Time is so very short. So very short.
Iraqi Governing Coalition Set to Collapse