No Fall Elections in Iraq

Friends,
The hope that a compromise in the Iraqi Parliament would work is dashed. The hopes of fall Provincial Elections are doomed. And yet, American soldiers continue to die. We must bring our troops home. The "surge" was just a trickle.

Peace and Love,
Rev O

Iraqis Fail to Agree on Provincial Election Law New York Times

"BAGHDAD — Iraqi lawmakers failed to come to an agreement on a provincial election law before adjourning for Parliament’s monthlong summer recess on Wednesday, leaving the fate of provincial elections in doubt for this year."

"It was a significant setback that Iraq’s leaders failed to take advantage of the lull in violence to make crucial political changes.

The provincial council elections are seen by many, including the United States, as a necessary step toward reconciliation among Iraq’s political factions, particularly Sunni Muslims, a group underrepresented in Iraq’s national and regional politics."

"Among those attending the (conciliatory) meeting were Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki; Ryan C. Crocker, the United States ambassador; and a representative of the United Nations. President Bush called several Iraqi officials, including Mr. Maliki and Mr. Mashhadani, urging them to come to an agreement, several lawmakers said."

"However, the pressure from the Americans has irked some participants as outside interference."

Iraqis Fail to Agree on Provincial Election Law
By CAMPBELL ROBERTSON 12:51 PM ET New York Times.
The failure to reach a deal before Parliament’s summer recess left the fate of nationwide provincial elections in doubt.