Differences delay Iraq govt. announcement

[ECH1969]

Iraqi Prime Minister Designate Nouri Maliki may announce his new government next week, if he can hold the controversial defense and interior portfolios.

A source close to Maliki said Thursday the government stands a good chance of formation by the middle of next week if the parliamentary blocs agree that Maliki can hold the two key ministries until an agreement is reached over two independent candidates.

Maliki will be acting minister of defense and interior in the meantime.

http://www.upi.com/InternationalIntelligence/view.php?StoryID=20060511-074344-8154r

[blm]

1. heh....looks like Iraqi's are taking Kerry's advice whether BushInc wants

us to know it or not.

[enigma000]

2. advice? the threat of withdrawal? n/t

[blm]

3. They know Bush won't withdraw, so why not take Kerry's plan and start

forming a basis for withdrawal themselves.

What few people factor in to the withdrawal debate is that Kerry went to Iraq and worked with members of Iraqi parliament to come up with withdrawal strategies last September, as well as consulting American commanders on the ground there. They told him what they need to make it happen,