(Iraqi) Charter framers avoid fractious issues

[ECH1969]

The new Iraqi constitution to be presented later this month will not resolve many of the most difficult questions that threaten to split the nation along ethnic and sectarian lines, key participants in the process say.

Rather, the parties expect to meet an Aug. 15 deadline for drafting a basic law by deferring tough decisions on the details of the role of Islam, women's rights, oil-revenue sharing and federalism until after a new legislature is elected in December.

Not everyone is happy with that decision, taken in the face of strong U.S. pressure to meet the Aug. 15 deadline and keep Iraq's progress toward a permanent government on track. The last possible moment for seeking an extension was midnight Monday. The Kurds, in particular, strongly oppose any delay in a final decision on the future of the northern city of Kirkuk, their role in the future of Iraq and ownership of Iraq's natural resources.

The U.S. ambassador to Iraq, Zalmay Khalilzad, said after meeting with women's groups yesterday that equality for women "is a fundamental requirement for Iraq's progress." But an Iraqi official in contact with those drafting the constitution said the Shi'ites -- who have a majority in the interim legislature -- were unlikely to agree to any rights for women that were not acceptable under Shariah law.

http://washingtontimes.com/world/20050802-095404-7287r_page2.htm