Iraq Assembly Meets Today

Well the newly elected Iraqi MPs have finally been sworn in. That said, the government is yet to be formed. Arguments are, predictably over the state of the peshmerga (the Kurdish militia) and the status of Kirkuk. In the oldest of democratic tradition the Kurds are milking their votes for all their worth.

At some point the costs of delay are going to outweigh immediate benefits and they will get on with it.

Oh and like I done told you, Jafaari looks set for PM.

Let's test my prediction abilities a little further (since that was an obvious call).

Kurds keep peshmerga under Kurdish command, they are officially part of the new Iraqi army. Kurds get to immigrate into parts of Kirkuk, not officially under Kurdish control however. Talabani as president, Allawi takes VP both posts are largely ceremonial. Ghazi Yawer gets speaker, which is not wholly ceremonial as one of many gestures to the Sunnis.

..oh and the new constitution guarantees the same basic rights and under TLA (which are comparable to the US).

My only worry is the effect of Sharia on marriage law and the strength of the judiciary.