The first Iraqi perminent government

[salim]

There is a day-an- night hard negotiations about how to fill the government posts.

The main parties had already agreed on a known international token system, where each post is valued . President to be 5 tokens, PM 6 tokens, perliament speaker = 4, each debuty = 2, each PM debuty is 3 , main ministery is 3, minor is 2.

 

There are 6 main ministery "including inteligence head" and 24 other minsteries in addition to sympolic 6 state ministeries, each one is valued with one token.

 

Each perliament member vote is one point , so 275 devide by about 85 tokens, means each token need about 3.5 pm points.

 

There was a debate about if the presidential council and spear and PM should be counted as part of this token system. Sunni religious tawafuc "44 seats "went with NO, secular Iraqia/Alawee "29 seats" went to YES. That is because Alawee slate didn't win any presidential post and they want to get benefit of this in the government posts.

Aliraqia also had another fight with tawafuc on one of the PM debuties. There was some circulation on the net about who should be the interior minister or defense minister. The names where Alchalabi for Interior "I doubt he would accept such nomination" and former house speaker Dr. Alhasani "Aliraqia " for Defense. Alawee his self was suggested to be the head of national security council " a non official committe that has no constitutional role".

 

There was also another news that Shia coalition had suggested Alchalabi to manage the economy file "finance and oil".. No confirmation to such news though.

 

Sunni Arab Tawafuc might be looking to the foriegn ministery post. Kurds said that they don't mind give it up to get the oil ministery instead, some thing I doubt Shia are willing to give at a time 95% of Iraqi oil is produced in Basrah.

 

Any how all the above are what people talk about , we don't know which part is correct.

The new PM started to establish his staff team, he is recieved by most Iraqis with a relief of hope , specially after the noticed support that he got from US adminstration and religous leaders.

 

All this is happening while another debate is moving on on the best way to deal with Militias, both friend and enemy ones.

 

Which is another very complicated file that the new PM need to deal very carefully with..

[salim]

I was shy of commenting on the great progress in negotiation of forming the new government, I prefed not to comment of the circulated rumers and speculations by reporters as I think most of them are either non accurate or part of the negotiation game.

What is for certain is that all groups came up with a unified agreement that the security file should not be a responsibility of any specific party or group, and need to be assigned to professionals who had no history or link to any party. That what Dr. Adil A Mehdi, the ellected vic president told Aliraqia yesterday. He also added that the candidate need to get approval of all main slates.

He also told Aliraqia that he thinks the two weeks period that Maliki already expected is a possible one though the PM has two more weeks to go. He was very comfort with the level of commitment of all parties. When asked about Maliki's goo and bad, he was very frank in praising his tough, down to earth people contact experience, decision making appility that Iraq needs, but he pointed that he might lack on experience dealing with other areas such as economy where he needs to have a first grade consultants to help him.

 

On other front , i was so astonished by the brighting star of the new perliament speaker Dr. Almashdani " A sunni Arab" who had an long interview with Aliraqia last week. When asked about the difference between this governemnt " with heavy sunni arab participation" compared to the previous one, he said that there will be a big diffrencegave a very funny but accurate example. He said with the thrid side the triangle is well definded, without that third side, the system is just an anglr that would be so flexible, it might be a cute or right or even obtuse! Dr. Meshadani was not a well known figure "just like Maliki" but he too become a very popular one and I think he will play a critical role in the comming years! He is an islamist but talk completely different than Salafees. So simple and direct, that used to ran his dentist clinic in mixed sunni/shia poor neighborhood of Huria west of baghdad. He siad that his wife is Ashia from a well known Kadimia Nawab Family. He praised her stands in supporting him durring his long struggle during Sadam's times. He looks so humble and uneducated, but when talks he is like a university professor..

[salim]

It seems the only obstical left is the race between Altafuc Sunni religous and Aliraqia secular slates on the PM deputy that sould help the PM on the security file..

 

Altawafuc opinion is that this should go to them because they want the position be assigned on sectarian bases and they claim that they are the sole representative of Sunni Arab " 44 seats". Alawee's slate wanted Alwawee to run the post as the slate " 29 seats" did n't had any chance to fill any of the presidential positions while altawafuc alreay go two key posts. Mr. Abdul latif of Aliraqia critisized Altawafuc today for trying to distribute the posts on sectarian bases some thing, he siad , that was n't agrred o between the two slates last month when they tried to drop down Aljaafree.

 

The issue of foriegn affiars ministery seems to be another issue to debate .. Yesterday Mr. Slam Maliki of the Alsadree's suggested the Tawafuc to get hold on Education ministery as a solution to the crises..Education was ran by Shia coalition and the minister is considered to be of SCIRI Alhakim party.

 

Things are going so transperant and many ananlysists expecting the new government to be announced before the 30 days period..

[salim]

Today Mr. Maliki was in a news confrence. He was so confident and clear. He passed difficult question with sharp and short answers that I consider politicaly smart.

 

He confirmed that the defence and interior minstries will be assigned to non partism figurs and he is looking into some candidats. He said also that most issues are resolve excluding some minor things that need to give some time to slates to come back with candidats in order to choose one . He mentioned the minstery of Oil and ministry of trading.

 

When asked about the militia , his aswer that no gun is allowed and we should apply what ever the constitution asked for.

 

He confirmed that the security will be under his direct mangment and his priority. He showed no compromise to theose who commited crimes but was very open to those who didn't. He insisted that no background should effect their enrolment to the political process..

[Airedale]

Article that quotes al Sadr

Tribal leaders, clerics call for an end to Iraq's sectarian violence

 

 

 

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Baghdad's most senior Shiite cleric urged Iraqis Wednesday to unite for the sake of security as about 50 clerics and tribal leaders met in the capital to discuss ways of ending widespread violence.

Dressed in outfits ranging from business suits and ties to traditional Arab robes and head scarves, the tribal leaders and Sunni Arab, Shiite and Kurdish clerics met at Al-Hashimi mosque in northern Baghdad. At one point, they knelt on a carpet to pray together in a unified ritual.

 

 

 

Ayatollah Hussein Ismail al-Sadr, Baghdad's most senior Shiite cleric, called for an end to bloodshed.

“Iraq is undergoing its most critical stage ever. Our blood is being shed every minute and our ordeals are increasing every day. The safety of Iraq should be above all other goals,” he said.

 

Al-Sadr urged his countrymen to “respect the opinions and beliefs of each other because it is the only way to preserve our country.”

 

He said U.N. and Arab League envoys had been invited to attend the meeting and he was disappointed they had not.

 

....

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/world/i...acemeeting.html

What will it take for Sistani to issue a fatwa ( or some edict ) that his followers will listen to ?

 

Will Sunni listen ?

al Sadr is correct that if the violence doesn't stop soon. Iraq will slip back into the city state divisions of the middle ages.

[salim]

Airdale,

Ayatoulah Husain Alsader is a very unique ayatoulah. He kept an extreemly balanced stand that made him survive Sadam's tourturing for Sader Family , specially after murdering of Muqtada's father in nintees. He was respected even by some Baathists in Kadhumia/north of baghdad where he lived and teachs under very close watch of sadam security .

He is very moderate and today is getting a wide respect by Shia and Sunni. He is working on a project that he launched last year to bring together Sunni and shia clergy together.

 

Aliraqia broadcasted his speach in the opening of the tribal comitee confrence that is working of solidfying the Iraqi unity at tribal level.

Aliraqia is paying special attention to his movements. This might be because the general director of Aliraqia is also from Alsader family!

Any how the man is worth looking after. he was the only Ayatoulah that met a high rank American official "Powell" in public to thank USA for all the sacrifices to liberate Iraqis.He kissed Powel at forehead, which is the upmost sign of respect by Iraqis..

 

The label of "Most senior Shia clergy in Baghdad" is fully accurate, he is taking over the school that his great granfather Alshareef Aradhee established in Kadhumia about nine centies ago!

[Guest acheivements of the Jaafree']

http://baghdadee.ipbhost.com/index.php?sho...6250entry6250

 

In Arabic..

 

New confrence by Aljaafree about the acheivements of his Government.. In nine months the Jaafree's financial team led by Chalabi saved 15 billion dollar!

 

I think one of the main reasons that some Iraqi politicians being against Aljaafree re nomination was his firm stand on spending.. I heard from a friend who benefits a lot from previous governemnts projects that he disliked Jaafree becuase , as he put it, so GREEDY!

 

 

 

15 Billion dollar in 9 months saving, what is left for theives? These are not propaganda numbers , these are real mony that he accounted and stand for

[salim]

In an interview with Alarbia TV, Alchabi confirmed that there is no talks about his nomination to the interior ministry.

He also regret the firm opposition by some slates to Aljaafree's that he thought maily due to external pressure. He siad he failed to understand thier objection to Aljaafree at time they immediatly accepted Maliki with almost same political plans and backgroud. He admitted that the main difference between the two is that the first is more going to mercy with the second is more into firm and direct. He said the American embassidor wasn't against Aljaafree but he might failed to resiste the pressure by Rice and Straw. Aljaafree, he added, any how had gained a great boost and popularity by his decesion to step down inorder to let the political process proceeds.

He said that the real win for him was the constitution and the new Iraq, it is not matter if he wins the ellection.

He said that he was against the disolve of Iraqi Army but the Americans didn't listen.

He praised Alawee and said that he is fully able to get hold of the security file.

He said that antiBaathification was to protect Baathist who didn't commit crimes from public revenges. He said only very small percentage of Sadamists got impacted. However he called for real review of the law or even cancell it in order to let all people, excluding the criminal to integrate in the new system.

 

He commented on the American report of corruption, saying it was covering the Bremer/Alawee governments. He praised the Jaafree's government fight to corruption. History will document that , he added.

[salim]

Some thing funny is happening, slates are fighting for posts, however when you failed to get what you want , then immediately announce your withdraw from the government THAT IS SECTERIAN BASED.

That had happened with Alawee/Aliraqia when fail to get the deputy PM, to Almutlak sunni and today to Shia Fadila "part of Coalition slate".

Spoke's man of Alfadila announce that in a news confrence after what seems to be that their demand to have their candidate to ministry of oil was declined by coalitio to the favour of Dr. Alshahristanee, the nuclear scintists who was jailed in 1980 for not accepting Sadam's offer to work on the nuclear program.

 

The issue with this withdraw is not the 15 fadila PMs but that the coalition is not willing to divid the slate. There might be some last round of talk on Saterday before possible submittion of the government on Sunday. Alfadilah had faced a huge rumers of corruption in the ministery of oil. Some were based on incredible info. for example that the fire last week in one of the ministry rooms was to cover some corruption. A friend of mine confirmed to me that the fire was in the internal accountant office who is only responsible for salary payments and that all contracts and production documents are ellectronically archieved and are not part of the ministry dialy duties but a higher export committe two killometers away from the minstery! Any how I think Alshahristanee might be a better fit ..

[salim]

Seems like we are getting to the end of this long process.. Today Bahaa Alaarajee, A coalition member, send very clear message to all parties, TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT. In a news confrence that seems to be on behalf of Al maliki, he siad that enough is enough and coalition will give the Aliraqia and Tawafuc one more day to come up with their finals. Both ofthem where fighting on a very high ceilings. He also pointed to Altawfuc religous sunni slate to be more realistic and not put it's demands way more than their share in the parliament.

 

He said that as for the defence and interior ministeries, Almaliki will not assign any and he will take charge of both for the next two weeks before coming to final decision.

[salim]

Seems Saterday will be the day!

 

After a lot of racing and debate on the two most critical positions, interior and defence, seems we will finally see the first fully legitimate ellected governemnt in Iraq.

The two positions ministers were not very clearly announced. After some rumers that was circulated in the media that Maliki might keep it under his name if the parties failed to agree, today there was an announcement on the Iraqia tv with no source to relay on that New candidate names were added. These are Shia Col. Nasir Alfayad , cousin of 80 years last assembly speaker who was assasenated by Sadamist six months ago, for interior. And Col. Sultan Altikreeti, brother of Mag General Mahir Sultan who was excuted by Sadam in 1992.

 

I think the smart move by Maliki of expressing his will to take the two positions if the parties faied to agree on a nomination was the key..!

 

Mr. Fayad is from a very strong tribe of Albo-aamer "Alaamiree" who spreads in north and west of Baghdad that keep a very unique inter marrraige relations to Sunni tripe in same Area. Sadam himself was very keen in keeping good relations with members of this trip and alot of them were part of his Army.

 

Alfadilah issue of withdraw from the governemnt seems already came to an end by insisting on the wirthdraw after the last round chance that mr. Maliki gave them. The ministery of oil is now seem to go to Dr. Shahristani, the nuclear scientists and former deputy speaker ..

[salim]

It was a nother amazing day in Baghdad!

Finally the first fully sovrign government made by Iraqis will,,

Maliki seemed more confident in his speach and news confrence, his deputy Sunni Salam Al zoubaee looked very professional and clear in mind and vision, both will be the managers of the security file.

 

Some thing that I didn't like,

The replacement of Ali Alawee by Bayan Jabor Alzubaidee in finance ministery

The appointment of Islamic party member in education ministery

 

 

Let us wait and see

[salim]

Other issues that the current governemnt might be lacking is the under rep of the women ministers. Today parliament member Dr. Aldamalougee of Iraqia was very critical on that. The lack of appointing the two key positions is a matter of concern . While it is a smart move by Maliki to isolate such critical issue from the less debatable one of governement forming, I think is also a sign of a serious non agreement that yet need to be solved..

 

The task is very tough that Maliki need to manage , but the full suport by Iraqis and the full support of the international community , specially the US and UN, is the key to his success

[salim]

Some thing that I didn't like,

The replacement of Ali Alawee by Bayan Jabor Alzubaidee in finance ministery

The appointment of Islamic party member in education ministery

 

Dr. Dhafer Alani, of Sunni Tawafuc slate, confirmed to Aliraqia that Mr. Asad Kamal, the education minister, had submitted his resign from the post.

Seems that my concern was in place..

As for Mr. bayan's , some friend told me that his appointment reflects the Maliki's intention to deal with finanicial corruption within the government and Mr. Bayan jabor , the former interiour minister, might be a reasonable one..

 

 

I don't know if this is a right conclusion!

 

Two slates had got a serious internal division. Sunni tawafuc and Alawee's slates.

One member of Tawafuc "44 seats" called to withdraw in support to Almutlec 's slate objection to the maliki governemnt voting.

Key members in Alawee's slates showed their disagreement to Alawee cut on their agreement to not to participate in the governement, they said that Alawee had appointed, from London, the four ministers without consulting the slate leaders.

[salim]

Another star that is brightining, this time Dr. Salm Alzubai, PM deputy "Sunni Arab".. On Alraqia TV tonight he talked for one hour about most important issues. He was clear a direct. When asked if it is true that has his brother and cousin being jailed on Terrorist relation accusation, he was firm to confirm it. When asked if the internet rumers that he tried to release them, his asnswer was that he is putting his resignation in front of the Maliki if such think proven to be true.

 

He talked about the current political race and said it might be looked at as a factionist race but in reality it is a political one. When we sit together we are friends and brothers but when talking about politics we not histating to express our conflicts in interests.. About the nomination to the interior and defence ministries, he said that there are many names for each position and the next couple hours will solve it..

He said that he had visited the jail of Almuthana "defence ministery jail" and talked to prisoners that it is a new era and they need to understand that the Americans are really wanting all Iraqis to join the current process, he also called for all Iraqis to dispand arms and move forward to rebuild the country

 

He was talking to approach the harts of Iraqis , all of them..

 

The visit of the Iranian forgien minster was really ironic.. It is the second visit by and Arab or muslim country high official, the first was the jordanian PM last year. It is a vist that is claimed to be under occupation by most Iranian and Arab radical media, it is a visit to a country that some media in the west thought it in civil war!

 

The Americans who kept watching it, looked to me just like a parent watching his teenage kid moving toward first school trip. They affriad of the excersize but they want their well trusted kid have all chances to be a grown up !

 

The visit was kind of imparrising to some of our Arab brothers who till now didn't have the time to congratulate the new governemnt, as President talabani said. !