Iraqis say constitution to be ready on time

[sabra]

Looks like the US pressure worked...

<<SNIP>>
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L01371297.htm

IRAQ WRAPUP 3-Iraqis say constitution to be ready on time

BAGHDAD, Aug 1 (Reuters) - The head of the panel drawing up Iraq's new constitution announced on Monday that a draft of the document would be ready by a mid-August deadline, easing fears that deep divisions could set back the political process.

"We can get it completed by August 15," Humam Hammoudi, head of the 71-member drafting committee, told parliament.

He said there were still five or six points of difference among the drafters but was hopeful they would be resolved.

<</SNIP>>

[Teaser]

1. Pressuring them to make this deadline

is making things worse. Much worse.

[papau]

2. 3 constitutions are proposed - and they will resolve this in 15 days?

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-power1aug01,0,737344.story?track=tottext
Oil Wealth Divides Iraqis (3 constitutions proposed)

THE CONFLICT IN IRAQ
Oil Wealth Divides Iraqis
Constitution is hung up on whether Shiites and Kurds should control their regions' riches.
By Alissa J. Rubin
Times Staff Writer

August 1, 2005

BAGHDAD — It is crunch time for the drafters of Iraq's constitution, and one question above all has stymied them: whether Kurds and Shiites should control their own regions and the oil money they generate.<snip>

Although other issues remain under debate, including the rights of women and the role of Islam, there is only one that could provoke violent upheaval: whether political power and oil revenue will be controlled largely by a centralized national government or by regional authorities.<snip>

One draft, acceptable to many of the country's Shiite leaders and to some Kurds, featured a detailed section that would allow provinces to join together to form semi-autonomous regions. Each would be run by an assembly, a council and a president. The budget would be financed by a combination of grants from the central government and an unspecified share of the region's resources, enshrining in the constitution the right of local governments to their natural resources. Shiite leaders were especially attracted to an explicit acknowledgment in this version that Islam would be the primary source of Iraq's laws.

Another version, published in a Kurdish newspaper, was the Kurds' dream constitution, all but making their region an independent country. It would give the regional governments sweeping powers. Under this version, just 35% of natural-resource income would be sent to Baghdad. That version also would require regional governments to approve laws passed by the National Assembly for them to take effect. Kurds say they need such powers to maintain their region's secular, Western character — especially its progressive treatment of women.<snip>

A third draft, written by some Sunni groups but not yet published, would permit gradual decentralization of power. It is unlikely to win approval from Kurds or Shiites in part because the regions would have no right to keep the income from their natural resources. But it would allow significant regional autonomy to be phased in over four years.<snip>

[Javaman]

3. On time for what? the civil war????

[Supersedeas]

4. so begins the not so United Provinces of Iraqica.

[bemildred]

5. Framers of Iraq constitution say they need more time to finish

Opinions seem to vary on this subject.

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- Framers of Iraq's new constitution said Sunday they need more time to finish the document, a move that threatens the political momentum on which Washington has staked its strategy for drawing down forces from the country next year.

President Jalal Talabani, however, insisted that the Aug. 15 deadline for parliament to approve the draft charter must be met. A showdown was expected today -- the last day under the interim constitution for the committee to seek an extension.

Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld flew to Baghdad on Wednesday to insist that the Iraqis finish the constitution on time. But substantial differences remain among the Sunni Arab, Shiite and Kurdish factions despite weeks of intense deliberations.

http://www.southbendtribune.com/stories/thisday/nation.20050801-sbt-MICH-A3-Framers_of_Iraq_cons.sto

[sabra]

6. I noticed that too.

The US wants/needs this to happen on time....

[bemildred]

7. Presently seen as the ticket out

of the quagmire, I gather, somewhat like the role of the "election" six months ago.

[The Night Owl]

8. Iraq will exist on paper since existing in reality isn't an option.

[Betty]

9. How many rights for women will be taken away?

hey laura bush, why don't you go over and make sure they don't treat the women the way the religious right taliban in the US wants to treat us?

[PurityOfEssence]

10. The trains will run on time, and everyone will wear a jacket and tie

Junior's such a laughable little nobody: it's such a big deal to him that he shows up on time. None of that slouchy Clintonesque lateness for him, oh no.

Boy, I'm a big fan of punctuality, but these guys are tiresome little showbots.

[wanpete]

11. do they have a choice really? what a crock of bull. how do

you set a timeline to create a constitution that will govern a country for pete's sake?