Election timetable out the window in Iraq

The January 2010 timeline for the Iraqi general elections is looking like a distinct impossibility at the moment as opposing sides continue to bicker over power sharing agreements in any future Iraqi government. Bickering between Kurds (who want greater autonomy in the north and control of Kirkuk), Sunnis (who feel left out of the political process all together) and the majority Shiite (who continue to fight among themselves) are the greatest obstacles at the moment. Making matters worse is the rise in violence over the past few months that has seen Iraq's major cities being struck by wave after wave of devastating suicide and car bombings. The Sunni tribal elements who long gave refuge to Sunni extremists groups (read al-Qaeda) are also beginning to doubt the willingness of the Shiite majority to allow them into the mainstream after they were made promises that they would be incorporated into the state fold if they rid their territories of the insurgents. They have kept their side of the bargain but are beginning to think that they were suckered into a deal before anything concrete was forthcoming from the central government. As for the US troops, currently getting fatter in their bases outside of the primary urban centres, no one seems to know when or how they will be pulled out of a country that is no where near able to provide security for its own civilians. The cost in American lives has dropped due to the recent withdrawal of US troops from the towns however the financial cost of staying in Iraq continues to drain the American taxpayer. It is becoming increasingly likely that the poll will be further delayed barring any miraculous election deal. MECASR continues to watch developments with great interest.