Posted on 08/22/2005 1:39:37 PM PDT by Smogger
BAGHDAD, Iraq - In another dramatic last-minute standoff, Iraqi leaders late Monday put off a vote on a the country's new constitution, adjourning Parliament at a midnight deadline in order to gain time to try to win over the Sunni Arab minority whose support is key to ending the insurgency.
Negotiators finished the draft constitution Monday and prepared to submit it to parliament as the lawmakers convened minutes before a midnight deadline. But the negotiators withdrew the draft in the final minutes because of fierce resistance from Sunnis over the issue of federalism, which they fear could cut them out of most of the country's vast oil wealth.
Parliament speaker Hajim al-Hassani said there was strong interest in reaching unanimity on the draft "so that the constitution pleases everyone."
"All these groups in the coming three days will try, God willing, to reach accord on some points that are still disagreements amount the groups on them," he said. "The draft constitution has been received and we will work on solving the remaining problems." He then adjourned the session without a vote.
(Excerpt) Read more at msnbc.msn.com ...
Federalize the oil fields. Have oil revenues fund the government (paying for common infrastructure), and let the people get out from under taxes. It will provide a common interest to unite the country, and support entrepreneurialism and free market in the private sector through tax freedom.
Give a little oil...save a lot of blood.
Blood for oil?
Terrific news. Just another accomplishment that shows they're (we're) on the right track.
So simple yet brilliant!
Do you know Arthur Laffer?
Congratulations to those who worked so hard in this progression of Iraqian democracy!!
I am glad to find some people who think this is a good thing, some actually think that it's not! Banging my head on the wall!
Why it was removed from breaking news I'll never know... I guess only bad news about Iraq "breaks" around here.
(Denny Crane: "Sometimes you can only look for answers from God and failing that... and Fox News".)
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