The Bombs of August Sunnis Walk Out of Iraq Government PATRICK COCKBURN

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http://www.counterpunch.com/patrick08032007.html

The Bombs of August
Sunnis Walk Out of Iraq Government
By PATRICK COCKBURN

Iraq's main Sunni Arab political party walked out of the Iraqi government two days ago and two bombs killed more than 70 people in the centre of Baghdad.

The Sunni Accordance Front left Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's embattled government, saying it had not met any of its demands, including greater say over security, the release of all detainees not charged and the disbandment of militias.

Rafaa al-Issawi, a leading party member, said: "The government is continuing with its arrogance, refusing to change its stand and has slammed shut the door to any meaningful reforms."

The Iraqi government system is supposed to ensure power-sharing between Shia, Kurds and Sunni, but since the three communities and their political parties have differing agendas their participation in government has proved a recipe for continuing stalemate. Ministries are doled out on a quota system after prolonged negotiations and Mr Maliki cannot sack ministers for incompetence or corruption, however gross.

The Accordance Front has 44 out of 275 seats in parliament and has been looking for reforms that would enhance the strength of the Sunni community.