Iraq opposition vetoes Jaafari's leadership plan

Telegraph ^ | March 3 2006 | Jim Muir

[jmc1969]

Talks on the formation of a new administration in Iraq were dealt a blow yesterday when the country's feuding factions united in opposition to Ibrahim al-Jaafari, the Shia leader designated to be prime minister.

While talks were said to be continuing last night, the rejection of Mr Jaafari by Kurdish, Sunni and secular Shia factions meant that two months of agonising negotiations to form an administration following the country's historic general election had proved fruitless.

Iraq's leaders were reminded of the urgent need for a strong government when bombers struck again in Baghdad and a leading Sunni politician, Adnan Dulaimi, who is involved in the talks, escaped an assassination attempt.

Mr Dulaimi's car was raked by gunfire, killing a bodyguard and wounding others. By chance, he had switched cars because his vehicle had a puncture.

The Kurds, who with the Shias formed the backbone of the outgoing government, had gone along with Mr Jaafari's nomination, but were outraged by his trip to Turkey last week, accusing him of trying to make deals with the Turks at the Kurds' expense.

Kurdish opposition tipped the balance against the Jaafari nomination. The Sunnis were already solidly against him.

[jmc1969]

Damn, we really really need to protect the top few Iraqi leaders, especially the Sunnis and Sistani. If Dulaimi got wacked it would be almost as bad for the political process as if Allawi got wacked.

[jmc1969]

Ping

[Marine_Uncle]

Bearer of bad news of lately sir. Yea. I had exactly the same thoughts half day back, when reading an earlier post I believe you presented that mentioned Dulaimi almost getting knocked off.
I wonder if our military has through secret channels expressed to Sistani their willingness to assure his safety if he where to feel up to it. I wouldn't be surprised if they haven't. Sadr could any day have him bonged on the head or something.
In any event. Jaffy is sure not going to budge. One vote difference.............ahhhh.

[jmc1969]

The thing is guys like Sadr are damn near untouchable, while guys like Dulaimi or Allawi almost get killed repeately. But, scum like Sadr are always very well protected.

[Marine_Uncle]

Rule one for criminals. Make sure you have tons of goons to protect you at all costs.