Outlines of possible Iraqi govt emerging

[ECH1969]

Iraqi politicians involved in negotiations on the formation of a new government said on Wednesday that an agreement on the top five ministries is close.

Political blocs say they are using a complex points system based primarily on results from December's election to determine how many ministries are allocated to each grouping. Khudheyir al-Khuzai, a member of the Alliance, which holds just under half the seats in parliament, said Kurds were insisting on keeping the foreign ministry, while Shi'ites hoped to keep the key, controversial interior portfolio. The secular list of former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi might now get defence.

"The United Iraqi Alliance hopes it will take the Interior Ministry," Khuzai said on the sidelines of Wednesday's session of parliament. "Defence may go to (Allawi's) Iraqi List."

http://www.timesofoman.com/newsdetails.asp?newsid=29267

[Teaser]

1. So the shiites keep interior, huh....

no big surprise...and if Allawi gets defense...intersting. Seems like some groups are getting shut out.

Of course, this changes daily, or at least the leaks designed to support one candidate over another changes daily...so we'll see.