Iraq delays divisive federalism debate

[maddezmom]

BAGHDAD (AFP) - Iraq delayed a parliamentary debate on dividing the war-torn country into autonomous regions amid splits within the dominant Shiite bloc and stiff opposition from Sunni Arabs.

The 275-member parliament had been due to begin discussing proposals for an autonomous region in Shiite areas of central and southern Iraq like that in the Kurdish north.

But leaders of Iraq's various parliamentary blocs decided Sunday to delay the sensitive debate by three days.

"The parliamentary blocs met and agreed to postpone by three days the reading of a draft law on the mechanism and procedures to reform Iraq's provinces," said Abbas al-Bayati, spokesman for the main Shiite bloc that leads the government.

Bayati told AFP that the delay was agreed so the debate could be taken up "alongside the formation of a committee to look into the amendments of the constitution."

more:http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/iraq;_

[rodeodance]

1. another milestone to reach.

[exlrrp]

2. Another corner turned! Light at the end of the tunnel!

now they can go back to what they do best--killing each other
Just watch--Bush will turn this into a victory speech

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

3. A three day delay. What's supposed to happen between now and then?

Inquiring minds want to know. MKJ