In Iraqi South, Shiites press for autonomy

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In Iraqi South, Shiites press for autonomy - CSMonitor, 6 Aug.
Multiple visions for unifying the county's southern provinces are emerging. The Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council (SIIC), one of the most powerful Shiite parties, is leading the charge to form an autonomous "South of Baghdad Region."

But 45 southern tribal notables in Najaf last week signed their own pact that envisions creating "the self-rule government of the unified Iraqi south."

This reads like post-Mexican War America. Where are the likes of Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, and Stephen A. Douglas when the Iraqis need them?

Fortunately Moqtada al-Sadr hasn't decided that the current Iraqi Federal leadership is as unpalatable as the South Carolinians viewed Abe Lincoln.