MiuraDude

I think here is where the accuracy of the news feeds that we get come into play. Because clearly, from what I have read, the Iraqi people love Maliki about as much as they love the plague. But maybe there actually is a portion of the population that back him and support him and would vote him back in. We just don't hear about these people. It's just so hard to say.

If Maliki is planning on fighting the law on term limits, then it stands to reason that he believes he can win a third term. Does anyone ELSE believe he can win a third term?

I agree with you Luigi. Moon and Kobler have both made comments on the civil unrest and violence occurring, and I just can't see lifting the sanctions while that stuff is going on. I posed this question to Adam in yesterday's chat but it wasn't addressed. Adam, if you are reading this, it would be much appreciated to hear your two cents on this.

I hope you're right gymrat!

FYI, I basically asked Adam this question for tomorrow's chat. Hopefully we'll get an answer.

Adam, first off, thanks for this great site. My question pertains to the Chapter VII issue. While I know there are specific issues with the Kuwaitis that must be addressed (border demarcation, some monetary compensation, lost bodies, etc.)in order for them to be released from Chapter VII, do you also believe that the civil unrest, lack of cooperation amongst the factions, and all the other ugliness in the country also will come into play in the minds of Moon, Kobler and anyone else that will be in the decision making process relative to the UNSC's decision to release Iraq from Chapter VII?

It's awfully hard to believe that the UN is going to lift the Chapter VII sanctions with this kind of stuff going on. And I don't think it matters what the Kuwaitis say or don't say about it. Hope I'm wrong.

Great post RSS and obviously great news. Just hope it's accurate. Would be nice to hear something consistent coming from the Kurds to confirm this.

Do we even know that Talabani is physically and/or mentally capable of performing his duties as president? And what if he isn't?

My thoughts exactly. I can't see these guys giving up $4 billion and not expecting/demanding something in return.

As dinarians, should we honor this holiday? Actually, any reason to work as much as these parliament guys is good by me.

Does anyone else think this is just the Kurds whining and moaning because they didn't like the way the whole budget issue transpired? I swear these guys remind me of little kids when they don't get their way.

I do get the feeling that the UN truly wants to see Iraq out of Chapter VII. Kobler has been spending a lot of time in Iraq, and I'm pretty sure he would rather be somewhere else (anywhere else?). But neither are they going to just hand anything to them; all the t's need to be crossed and all the i's need to be dotted.

Does anyone think/know if there actually is anything in the works to get this passed? I joined this site about a year ago, and as far as I know, beyond some BS article here and there, they are no closer today to getting this passed than they were a year ago (and perhaps beyond that?).

If the Kurds didn't get their desired 17% piece of the budget pie, I could understand the whining and moaning. I don't understand the whining and moaning.

What is the basis for this negative attitude from the Kurds? Didn't they get the 17% of the budget like they wanted?

I lost my father to pancreatic cancer. It would certainly be a positive if this is actually true.

Good find RSS! I figure any true progress made will have to be accompanied by cooperaion amongst the three factions, and this article smells like cooperation.

Easy, would love to hear your thoughts on the reason for the stalling tactics.

http://ipairaq.com/?p=77275

Who's going to bend? The Kurds aren't going to settle for less than their 17% share, and you know Maliki's goons don't want to give it to them. How does everyone see that issue being settled?

Has anyone ever known a middle eastern man that didn't have (at least) a Mr. T starter set? I haven't.

Great and fun post. I guess I am officially older than dirt, but I'm definitely good with that. Last year, my 10-year old niece received a ninth place trophy. NINTH place!!!! I don't think I would have realized any of the successes I have realized in my life if I received ninth place trophies when I was growing up.

Farwould, I admire and respect you for your take on this. However, I must pose this question to you......if one forgives an insincere apology, is that person being compassionate or is that person being a fool?

Yeah, you're right.....definitely uncharted waters. It's those darn rose colored glasses that I'm afraid are causing me to look for answers that do not exist.