Iraq's Shiite and Kurdish powerbrokers woo Allawi

"We have set next Thursday (March 24) as a preliminary date for the national assembly to reconvene," Jawad al-Maliky, a member of the Shiite United Iraqi Alliance (UIA), told AFP.

The Kurds and Shiites have started courting the secular ex-Baathist Iyad Allawi leading politicians like outgoing Sunni president Sheikh Ghazi al-Yawar. The UIA and Kurdistan Alliance met Allawi`s Iraqi list on Thursday and presented it with the agreement between the sides.

"We asked the Iraqi list to give us their vision and idea on whether they will participate in the new government or not. They have given us a positive response," Zebari said, adding that their participation now hinged on cabinet posts offered to them.

A senior member of Allawi`s list, Imad Shibib, confirmed the talks were progressing. "Until now, we are in negotiations with both lists. We have not come to a decision," he told AFP.

http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?id=38969

Iraqis. Just what the Iraqi people need...someone WORSE than Saddam Hussein!

And that Allawi only got 14% of the vote...well hey, can't rush that democracy thing onto the poor little Iraqis anyways.

Jebus frigging Cripes.