Maliki's announcment this evening - Alsumaria News

[BlueOrchid919]

Yes, but the deeper question may be, why is the stalemate being allowed? I know other countries are exerting a lot pressure on the UN, supposedly on behalf of Iraq, in order to lift them out of Ch 7. Does this not elude to the fact that Iraq has asked for help? Is this more or less reason for evidence that Maliki is trying to thwart or push things to get done, but just his way?

Iraq is a sovereign nation. They cannot be forced into governing a certain way simply because an outside entity says so. The UN can exert pressure, as was seen by the recent Envoy's report to the UNSC last month. And the reason UNAMI is still involved in assisting Iraq in resolving several issues: mainly humanitarian, but also with regard to the outstanding issues with Kuwait, and then ultimately with getting the census done. And now Kuwait is rocking the boat with their new port development which has Iraq all in a tizzy. Most of what is left of the Ch7 sanctions (about 6-7 resolutions or portions thereof) pertain to the Kuwaiti issues. Kuwait has great power over whether they get lifted or not. Also Iraq still owes $$$ to Kuwait, about $19 billion that is getting paid off as fast as they can. Only a couple of resolutions pertain to nuclear for weapons which is still sanctioned and not likely to lift for a VERY long time - if ever.

The stalemate is allowed because Maliki is in control. And he's a very very smart man who knows how to manipulate his cabinet to suit his needs. He's very good at speaking out of both sides of his mouth. So far Maliki is getting his way. What remains to be seen is how long he'll get away with it. Iran is very involved too and is exerting very strong input in their affairs. Iran and Maliki have very close ties.

Until the GOI actually forces the issue and calls 'no confidence' there will be a status quo. There will be meetings after meetings. Then meetings to set up meetings. They will agree to agree and then form committees to decide how to implement what they agreed on. It's a never ending circle. It's the way they've done business for thousands of years.

[zaborniake]

We'll see. M was opposed to the NCSP from the beginning, so this interview is nothing new. I think that with Talabani (Kurd), and Barzani (Kurd), backing the NCSP that it will pass through the three readings regardless of what the SL and M say.