Iraq's proposed constitution leaves key issues unresolved

[Rose Siding]

BAGHDAD, Iraq - As Iraqis headed to the polls on Saturday to vote on their nation's proposed constitution, concerns mounted that the document, if it's approved as expected, would postpone rather than solve the divisive issues that could further destabilize this war-torn nation.

Left unresolved are key points such as whether to allow Iraq's provinces to join together to form regional governments that could divide the country along sectarian lines; how potentially billions of dollars in untapped oil revenue would be distributed; and the role of Islam in the crafting and enforcement of laws.

The nation's major political parties agreed this week to discuss these divisive issues next year and to hold a second constitutional referendum.

The proposed constitution is "no doubt better than anything else we have. We are in bad need of a permanent constitution," said Abdul Khaliq Zangana, a Kurdish National Assembly member, on Friday.

The proposed constitution "is just another temporary constitution," said Alaa Makki, the head of the Iraqi Islamic Party, a leading Sunni Muslim party. "It is a positive step. ... But the constitution has to be rewritten. Let it pass for the time being."........

http://www.realcities.com/mld/krwashington/12905515.htm

[LynnTheDem]

1. But hey, Iraqi women can now be STONED for adultery!

RAH RAH RAH FREEEEEDOM!

Oh and then there's the coming civil war.

#1. bush will LIE AGAIN this week about his "PROGRESS" in Iraq
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=2147802

#2. 2000 Americans dead...for an ISLAMIC STATE of repressed women in IRAQ
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=5059338

#3. Iraq "constitution"...A Lose-Lose Referendum
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=5049976

#4. LUCKY Iraqi women! STONING FOR ADULTERY coming soon!
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x5060146

[applegrove]

2. It is federalism. It is built so that states are always yammering at each

other. There is always one squabble after another. Rights are in the constitution so look for the sqaubble over women's issues to be the first big battles - after Sunni provincial rights.

It never ends. That is federalism.

Wish they could have agreed on women's rights. But there it is.

Troops need to come home is the suicide bombings are to stop.

American troops give nutcases the excuse they need.

Bring the troops home.

[Psephos]

3. In the software business, they call it a feature, not a bug

In this case, I think it's smart to have left room for later amendment. As my uncle used to say, if you can't give 'em cash, give 'em hope.

Peace.