Violence Hinders Formation of Iraqi Gov't

[leftchick]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060305/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Pressure mounted Sunday on Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari to give up his bid for a new term amid anger over a recent surge of sectarian killings that has complicated already snarled negotiations on a new Iraqi government.


The delay in forming a government has prevented parliament from meeting since it was elected Dec. 15. But Kurdish and some Shiite officials said Sunday it should be ready to convene within days.

<snip>

U.S. officials say a unity government that includes all Iraq's ethnic and religious communities is essential for stabilizing the country and allowing U.S. and other coalition forces to start pulling out in the summer.

As the largest bloc in parliament, the Shiite United Iraqi Alliance gets the first chance to form a government, but it does not have sufficient seats to do so on its own.

[LosinIt]

1. recent surge of sectarian killings?? not a recent surge of violence?

I think they're onto you EarlG.

[bemildred]

2. Ah, its Jaafari's fault. nt