Shiites: No Point in Parliament Meeting

[brooklynite]

BAGHDAD, Iraq - A top Shiite lawmaker said Thursday that names of selections for top posts in the new Iraqi government must be agreed upon before parliament can meet next week, casting doubt on whether the legislature will convene as announced.

...snip...

The next session of parliament was called for Monday to push past a long-standing political stalemate over who should be the next prime minister. But members of the dominant Shiite alliance questioned holding the meeting without first designating all top posts.

"If we don't agree on the key posts, then why should we go to parliament?" Khudayer al-Khuzai asked Thursday.

The move indicated the Shiites don't want to be steamrolled into an assembly meeting until they've internally resolved the issue of the prime minister nomination. The alliance has so far stood behind its candidate, current Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari, but cracks in support have begun to show. Sunnis and Kurds have refused to accept the nominee.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060413/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_060413121150
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Well, it was a nice idea...

[Brigid]

1. Why Am I Not Surprised?

If they won't get their own act together, then what good is it for our troops to continue to risk their lives for them? They've got to start doing it for themselves sometime.

[leftchick]

2. The US is pushing the ouster of al-Jaafari

because he will insist on an occupation withdrawal. I heard Sy Hersh say that on fresh air.

[Kagemusha]

3. I wonder if Sy can back that up.

It doesn't really matter, just the idea that Jaafari isn't a "team player" is plenty enough for the administration.