LAT: Iraqi Institutions Drifting in a Postelection Limbo

[maddezmom]

BAGHDAD — Gunmen waving their weapons out the windows of unmarked cars are the most distinct sign of what it's like to live in political limbo. They've been roaming the streets freely in the four months since Iraqis elected a parliament that has failed to form a permanent government.


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In the wake of stalled government talks, Iraqi institutions have begun to drift — their lack of oversight and leadership seriously hampering efforts to curb militias, rebuild infrastructure and get on with the work of governing.

The long list of moribund projects has grown, and public officials whose jobs are stymied by the word "interim" have begun to despair. "Summer is coming and we need to get started on many projects," said Raad Haris, a Ministry of Electricity official. "They cannot be done unless a government is formed."

That leaves a familiar face in charge of daily production of electricity: former exile leader Ahmad Chalabi, who once had designs on running the country. His decisions, however, may have more effect on the average Iraqi than those of the political factions that failed again Monday to find a consensus candidate for prime minister.


more:http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-delay11apr11,1,1960660.story?coll=la-headlines-world