14 January 2008
Wow! The Iraqi Parliament passed a bill that would allow some (note “some”) former officials from Saddam Hussein’s party to fill government positions, in order to help mend rifts between Sunni Arabs who used to control the government under Hussein and the Shiites who now dominate politics. There are many restrictions in the bill. This measure still must be passed by the presidential council. Only hours after the vote, serious disagreements began. Some Iraqi and American officials praised the parliamentary vote but disagreements over its eventual effects continued through the day. This legislation has been in the works for months. Is this what is considered “success of the surge”? The death toll of our military is starting to go up again, some success.
President Bush, praised the vote, calling it “an important step toward reconciliation.†He was so excited seeing any action from the Iraqi parliament at all, that he was prepared to slow or even halt American troop reductions. This is going to renew political debate over the war in Congress and on the presidential campaign trail.
Entries (RSS)