More Hallelujahs!!!

Iraqi Parliament Paves the Way for Provincial Elections

Iraqi provincial elections law clears its first hurdle

"Large numbers of Sunnis boycotted the last provincial elections and have a limited voice in the Shiite-dominated government. Since then, many Sunnis have put down their arms and given support to U.S. and Iraqi forces, but are frustrated by a lack of a strong voice in government."

"The elections to choose councils in 14 provinces will likely shift the political balance in Iraq and have the potential to lessen simmering mistrust between the Sunnis and Shiites.

"The Sunnis refused to participate in the last elections," said Salim al-Jibouri, a Sunni lawmaker. "The coming elections will change the Iraqi political map."

"The Sunnis want the elections," Marine Maj. Gen. Martin Post, deputy commander of U.S. forces in a largely Sunni portion of western Iraq, said in an interview this week. He said voter registration in Anbar province is high in anticipation of getting a larger voice in government.

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"Lawmakers emerged from Wednesday's session pleased that they could break the deadlock. "We shook hands and everyone was grinning," said Fouad Masoun, a Kurdish lawmaker."