You have commented 339 times on Rantburg.

Your Name
Your e-mail (optional)
Website (optional)
My Original Nic        Pic-a-Nic        Sorry. Comments have been closed on this article.
Bold Italic Underline Strike Bullet Blockquote Small Big Link Squish Foto Photo
Iraq-Jordan
Sunnis Win Greater Role
2005-06-10
Iraq's Sunnis yesterday won greater role in the country's politics, but the exact number of their representation in the committee drafting a constitution remained unclear. Leading officials in the committee tasked with writing the constitution by Aug. 15 said the size of the committee would be expanded to 69 members from 55. The number of Sunni Arab members would be raised to 15 from two, giving them the same level of representation in the body as the Kurds. The Sunnis, however, have demanded more. On Wednesday an alliance of Iraq's main Sunni Arab groups said they wanted 25 seats on the constitutional committee and would refuse to take part in drafting the document unless their demand was met.
Posted by:Fred

#6  I dunno, seems to me that speed in asserting democratic control of Iraq shouldn't take a back seat to quality; i.e., the process, such as participation in elections, fielding candidates, debates, etc., etc. When some group has spurned the process, yet makes political demands later on that are taken seriously, the whole purpose of the exercise itself loses its value.

Why go through all the motions when some group can kill a whole bunch of civilians, then make demands and subsequently receive all or part of what they want?
Posted by: Bomb-a-rama   2005-06-10 13:50  

#5  I don't see this as appeasement but as an accommodation for the Sunnis. If they become part government, the insurgency loses pretty much the last branch (domestically) that kept them going. Now they can’ claim to represent any significant body within Iraq and become the enemy of ALL Iraqis because the Sunnis are part of that government. Yes it’s late in the game to add to the roster by if it speeds democratic control of the country it will be more than worth it. So by all means let the Sunnis in and offer them a chair that is part of the political process.
Posted by: Cyber Sarge   2005-06-10 11:52  

#4  News Flash: They rejected the offer of 15 seats, demanding at least 25.
Posted by: Charles   2005-06-10 11:48  

#3  When is it going to be driven home that when you don't participate in the process, you don't have any real grounds to demand anything?

This appeasement BS is sending the wrong message.
Posted by: Bomb-a-rama   2005-06-10 11:02  

#2  Maybe this like filing a lawsuit. You demand $100 million when you'd be happy with $10 million.

Then, again, since they are Sunni Arabs, maybe not. Maybe they're just insane.
Posted by: .com   2005-06-10 05:27  

#1  Ok, then two it is. Get the hell out, and don't let the door hit you on the way out.
Posted by: ed   2005-06-10 00:33  

00:00