Shiites submit law to separate Iraq into rival regions

[sabra]

http://www.bakutoday.net/view.php?d=26138


Shiites submit law to separate Iraq into rival regions

BAGHDAD AFP 07/09/2006 01:11

<snip>

The United Iraqi Alliance, the dominant Shiite parliamentary bloc, is promoting a "law of regional formation" so that the oil-rich Shiite southern Iraq can win self-rule on the model of the autonomous Kurdish north.

"The law will define how the regions are formed and whether it will be done by the governing council or through popular referendum," said party member Hamid Mualla al-Saadi.

Sunni lawmakers have vociferously opposed the draft law on autonomous regions, saying it is a prelude to a carve-up of the country, which would leave them with just the resources-poor center and west of Iraq.

But in recent days they appear to have softened their opposition, saying they would support the "administrative application of federalism" as long as a strong central government remains.

[OregonDem]

1. Are they trying to create separate nations for Shiites, Kurds and Sunnis

or are they trying to create states within the country of Iraq? I also heard the Kurds want a new flag are they currently moving towards creating an independent Kurdistan? Does anyone know what the US is supporting regarding borders and independence?

[enigma000]

5. I think the US supports the territorial unity of Iraq

But there is just so much it can do. The US supported the territorial unity of the old USSR just about until the day it fell apart.

It was written into the constitution that groups of states can form "regions" and have some special powers. It would be like the New England states forming a "regional government" in the US. Iraq is based on a federal model.

[Born Free]

2. Shiites are learning democracy, American Style

Looks like they are planning to set up districts where they get everything and the sunnis get nothing - that will go over really well. I don't think the Sunnis are like democrats and will sit back and do nothing while the republicans ruin the country by grabbing all it's wealth.

[ktlyon]

3. I would support the idea with some oil revenue sharing

What else is there? Civil war? Genocide? I see no other way.

[obxhead]

4. I agree, 3 regions and an oil consortium to split the petrol $$.

[geek tragedy]

6. So long as the US keeps its hands off the oil consortium. eom

[The2ndWheel]

7. Honestly, who cares what any of us support?

This is for Iraqi's, or whatever they want to be called 80 years after an empire carved up the country, to figure out. There wouldn't be an America without a civil war. If they want a unified Iraq, let them figure it out. If they want 3 regions, and only 1 or 2 get any oil money, they'll have to figure that one out too.

[BadGimp]

8. Bush's Domino Theory is working

Invade, fuck things up, sit back and watch things disintergrate into civil war.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!