Shi'ites in Iraq May Drive Wedge Between Kurds, Sunnis

[ECH1969]

As an ongoing political deadlock continues over the formation of a new government, Shi'ite Muslim leaders have launched a new offensive in favor of embattled Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari by trying to drive a wedge between Kurds and Sunni Arabs who have opposed Jaafari winning a full term in office.

Jaafari and his supporters have suggested that Iraq's presidency could be awarded to a Sunni rather than a Kurd, sowing a potential rift between the two groups who, until now, have joined to fight Jaafari. In Iraq's interim government, the Shi'ites had received the prime minister post, Kurds the presidency, and a Sunni has served as speaker of the parliament.

The latest machinations appeared to be creating a new round of ill will, with the prospect of the presidency being handed to the Sunnis angering Kurdish politicians.

North of Baqubah, a car bomb exploded near a Shi'ite mosque as people were leaving after evening prayers, killing at least 26 people and injuring 70 others, police said. Analysts say the attacks are meant to stir sectarian passions and hasten the country's drift toward all-out civil war.

http://www.aina.org/news/2006041393213.htm

[saltpoint]

1. Well that wouldn't be very civic-minded at all. And after all the

trouble Dubya and Don Rumsfeld have gone through to bring democracy to the Middle East!

[ECH1969]

2. The idea that the problem in Iraq

is that the Sunnis and Shia hate each other is wrong.

The problem in Iraq is that you have three groups all who want power and are willing to screw each other over and use violence to get what they want.

The Shia are quite willing to team up with the Sunnis to screw the Kurds and vice versa.

[Teaser]

3. This "government" is a clown show

Just give them all big round noses and floppy shoes.

And cue the circus music.