Iraqi Assembly to Meet, Hopes for New Government

[leftchick]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=564&ncid=716&e=15&u=/nm/20050306/ts_nm/iraq_dc


Five weeks after elections, the lack of agreement between leading parties over who will lead the new government has fanned fears insurgent violence will spiral unchecked.


Suicide attacks, car bombings and kidnappings are a regular feature of life in Baghdad and elsewhere. U.S. troops, targeted by insurgents, have also been criticized for fueling violence by over-zealous attempts to crackdown on guerrillas.


<snip>

The new Iraqi government faces the daunting task of trying to establish security and negotiate a withdrawal of U.S. troops. Many Iraqis voice frustration that politicians have delayed debate on such matters because of political wrangling.


Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih said he hoped politicians would end horse-trading over top posts soon, so the National Assembly could meet for the first time.