Iraqi Political Leaders Meet But Political Deadlock Remains, US Leaders weigh in

Iraqi Political Leaders Meet But Political Deadlock Remains, US Leaders weigh in
Posted: November 8, 2010

Iraq’s most influential leaders are meeting in the Kurdish north, but it is unclear if the talks can bring an end to eight months of political deadlock.

Kurdish regional President Masoud Barzani welcomed Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and former prime minister Ayad Allawi to Irbil Monday for talks aimed at forming a government.

Barzani called the meeting a milestone moment, but the current and former prime ministers showed few indications they are ready to agree to any deal.

Maliki called for an increased effort to rebuild Iraq’s infrastructure, while Allawi talked about the need for real partners in political decision-making.

Allawi’s Sunni-backed Iraqiya alliance edged out Maliki’s State of Law bloc in parliamentary elections in March, but so far both parties have failed in their attempts to form a government.
Some politicians have been telling media sources that both sides are close to a power-sharing deal. Others have denied any deal has been reached.

U.S. Secretary of State Clinton refused to answer questions Monday about whether a deal was in place. But she told reporters during a visit to Melbourne, Australia the time has come for Iraq to finally form what she called an inclusive government

During a town hall-style meeting Sunday in Mumbai, India, U.S. President Barack Obama said it was taking “way too long” for Iraqi leaders to form the country’s government.

Iraq’s Supreme Court last month ordered the parliament to resume its sessions and elect a new leader.

Several Iraqi human rights groups have filed a lawsuit in an effort to force members of Iraq’s parliament to return at least $40 million received in salaries since elected in March. The group says it will launch a legal battle against the 325 lawmakers who have convened only once since the March 7 polls – for a 20-minute swearing-in session.