AP: Talks Under Way to Replace Iraq PM

[Eugene]

Talks Under Way to Replace Iraq PM

By HAMZA HENDAWI and QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA
The Associated Press
Sunday, December 10, 2006; 6:29 PM

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Major partners in Iraq's governing coalition are in behind-the-scenes
talks to oust Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki amid discontent over his failure to quell
raging violence, according to lawmakers involved.

The talks are aimed at forming a new parliamentary bloc that would seek to replace the
current government and that would likely exclude supporters of the radical Shiite cleric
Muqtada al-Sadr, who is a vehement opponent of the U.S. military presence.

The new alliance would be led by senior Shiite politician Abdul-Aziz al-Hakim, who met
with President Bush last week. Al-Hakim, however, was not expected to be the next prime
minister because he prefers the role of powerbroker, staying above the grinding day-to-day
running of the country.

A key figure in the proposed alliance, Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi, a Sunni Arab, left
for Washington on Sunday for a meeting with Bush at least three weeks ahead of schedule.

-snip-

Full article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/10/AR2006121000633.html

[babylonsister]

1. I'm glad to see the Iraqis are at least thinking about improving

their coalition, and the ways that might happen. Getting rid of Maliki is a given, provided ole dimson doesn't put his stubborn foot down and vote that idea down for no other reason than it's not his idea.

[ckramer]

2. Changing PM wouldn't reduce the intensity of resistence

It's just a blaming game.

[saigon68]

3. More Quisling puppets waiting to be fed US TAX DOLLARS

Maybe Juba will have something to say about this

[DoYouEverWonder]

4. So much for democracy

Didn't the Iraqi people 'elect' this guy? Shouldn't it be up to them to replace him?

[armodem08]

12. I agree with the spirit of your remarks, but..

In this parliamentary system, the PM is elected by the Parliament, which is elected by the people. Also, the "Iraqi people" don't really exist any more, just Sunnis, Shia, and Kurds with no cohesive identity.

edit: grammar

[Kagemusha]

5. So this is Hakim's game?

And just how the hell will this new coalition get a majority in parliament?

[Xipe Totec]

6. Oh, sure, blame the puppet

:eyes:

I'm sure al-Maliki (or any Iraqi for that matter) has the power to quell the raging violence.

The only guy who could do it is *cough* um... what's his name?... pulled out of a spider hole a while back...

:think:

You know, the guy shaking hands with Rummy...

Oh well, It will come to me.

:sarcasm:

[LynnTheDem]

8. I think I know who you mean...

the "worse than Hitler" guy with his invisible "woodchipper"?

Dammit, what was his name...

So many dead Americans coz of that "madman" who was going to invade & occupy America any minute with his wmds and hugh military power right after he did 911.

That guy, right?

Gimme a min...I know I know who you mean...

[Xipe Totec]

10. Bingo!

I'm just so glad we went in there and made things better....

:yoiks:

[saigon68]

13. They are dancing in the streets

And showering the mercenaries with rose petals

[Generic Brad]

7. Perhaps if the US changes leaders it would help the situation in Iraq

Al-Maliki is not the root fo the problem there. Bush-Cheney own more blame than any Iraqi for the disaster.

[ellenfl]

9. well, that's one way to distract us and give the admin

more time for victory. it's a ploy, pure and simple.

ellen fl

[Teaser]

11. Comedy Gold

If alHakim thinks asSadr will permit him to live through this, he's got another think coming.

Hakim's base is not nearly as extensive and as plugged in as Sadr's has become. Hakim would lose what little credibility he has if he tries it.

But it probably won't happen anyway. The Iraqi "parliament" are some of the most accomplished liars I have ever seen. They are especially good at lying to reporters, who lap it up like little puppies.