Deep divides halt key Iraq meeting

[Barrett808]

Deep divides halt key Iraq meeting
A national conference to choose a de facto parliament is postponed under pressure from the UN and Iraqi groups
By Annia Ciezadlo | Correspondent of The Christian Science Monitor

BAGHDAD – It was intended as a baby step into participatory democracy, the country's first foray into nation-building. But Iraq's national conference was postponed Thursday for the second time amid allegations of mismanagement and botched local caucuses.

Fuad Masoum, the official in charge of arranging the conference, announced that it would be delayed for two weeks. Mr. Masoum, who had earlier decided to go ahead with the conference, had faced relentless pressure from Iraqi leaders and the United Nations to postpone it.

"We told him that the caucuses must be nullified, that they would have to do another round, because no one knew about them," said Sheikh Fatih Kashif al-Ghitta, an independent Shiite political leader. "I am in Baghdad, and my neighbors are university professors, and they didn't hear about So what about the people in the provinces?"

...

"The parties will eat the entire cake," said Mr. Ghitta. "The parties got what they wanted - they got to control the Governing Council and the National Conference, and they're going to control the new parliament."

The renegade Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr decided to boycott, as did the Association for Muslim Scholars, a Sunni group with influence over anti-American insurgents. UN and Iraqi leaders hope the delay will buy them time to convince both groups to participate.

(more)

http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/0730/p06s01-woiq.html

[The Doctor.]

1. Of two minds on this one...

I truly hope and pray that the horrendous obstacles preventing the re-stabilisation of Iraq are overcome. It would be quite amazing to see a Democratic nation rise in that region. Most Democratized states that survive duress flourish in the long run. Having a Democracy in the Middle East to serve as a beacon of prosperity can only benefit the world in the long run.
Undoing the damage of how the country is being 'Democratized' is another matter entirely. It is sad that I find myself hoping the 'restructuring' process continues to be difficult up through the elections. It is my hope that these difficulties will yeild disgrace to this 'administration'.
I am certain, however, that there will be plenty of smoke and mirrors right before the elections to attempt to sway the many unconcerned Americans in this country. I even expect that they will produce UBL sometime in October.
I make a point to tell everyone (Repubs and Dems alike) That these ploys will be executed and not to be fooled.

Hoping for the best...

[Jacobin]

3. The biggest obstacle to the "stabilization" of Iraq is the U.S. presence

They will not stop fighting until we are gone.

When we are gone, they will fight amongst themselves until a military dictator or radical cleric takes charge.

It is sad that the U.S. public will not recognize this for many years to come and that so many people will die as a result. However, we must have our military bases and control the oil, so, in the end, that is all that matters to the military industrial complex.

[The Doctor.]

5. Pessimistic but probable

I agree that this will be a difficult if not impossible transition for Iraq. I know that we will be a target as long we are there. I know that the fundamentalists are well funded. I know that the brave politicians go to work everyday knowing it could be their last. My one hope is that with Kerry as president we can repair our standing with the international community and put together a real international effort (not necessarily presence) to rebuild and restructure there.
Eternally optimistic.

[leftchick]

2. AP and Reuters: "Security concerns" are the cause of delay......

good lord I wish for a REAL news source instead of DIGGING DAILY... I am tired... Thank you for your Posts to keep me informed Barrett

[Barrett808]

4. No problemo -- just a dedicated news hound

Or maybe obsessive is a better word.

If you don't want to dig, and you want Iraq news served up daily, try my Iraq Front News:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IraqFrontNews/
Subscribe: [e-mail]

Warning: Pretty depressing!