Middle East Focus: The Long Odds in Iraq, a Malfunctioning Software.......

Arabia Deserta

The Long Odds in Iraq, a Malfunctioning Software.......

“In the horse-trading to choose a prime minister, Iraq’s leaders must now look beyond their sectarian and ethnic bases and show that they have the skill and the vision to govern all of Iraq. Prime Minister Maliki showed a disturbing lack of statesmanship in the months leading up to the elections, and he will need to do better. Armed party militias must be kept on a tight leash. The Iraqi Army must remain neutral and on the sidelines. Mr. Allawi campaigned on a national platform, but some Sunni members of his alliance are already insisting on Sunni prerogatives. He should stick with his national vision. Mr. Maliki and Mr. Allawi have the main responsibility for bringing the bargaining to an expeditious and peaceful resolution. But Washington has a very strong interest in helping them succeed. It should urge the main contenders to commit themselves — now — to a set of agreed upon procedures for peacefully and fairly resolving disputes about the legal eligibility of candidates or specific allegations of voting fraud…………”

The New York Times, trying to make Iyad Allawi look like a statesman and likely PM, against all odds and history. Besides, when all the votes are in, Allawi’s alliance will most likely be a very distant second, if not third after the NIA. Its base of voters hovers around 15% or so. In Iraq, they do not vote for the prime minister, they vote for individual members of parliament. Unfortunately most Sunnis vote for Sunnis, most Shi’as vot for Shi’as. Most of those who voted for Allawi’s allies would probably never vote for him individually. Now, if by some “miracle” Allawi wins or even comes close, that would be a curious thing indeed. Perhaps a malfunctioning software.
Cheers
mhg

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