Iraqi National Election Law Clears Major Hurdle
Congressional Desk
November 10, 2009
McKeon: Successful National Elections Key to U.S. Redeployment
Washington, D.C.—The New York Times is reporting today that the Government of Iraq approved a law that will allow national elections to proceed in January. According to the story, "The election, only the second national vote since the fall of Saddam Hussein, will be a crucial step toward popular sovereignty and stability in Iraq."
The election law "had been stymied by a political battle over the northern province of Kirkuk"---an oil-rich area claimed by Kurds, Arabs and Turkmen. The New York Times reports: "American and Iraqi officials hope the election will cement democracy here at a time when many people have grown discontented with their leadership and fed up with continued violence, corruption and high unemployment."
According to senior civilian and military leaders, a successful Iraqi national election is instrumental to achieving President Obama's aggressive goal of redeploying all U.S. troops from Iraq by the end of 2011.
In a November 4th letter, Rep. Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-CA), the senior Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, urged the President to ensure enough flexibility exists within the redeployment plan so any draw down does not sacrifice security.
While the election law has been approved by the Iraqi Parliament, many hurdles still exist before the election can occur.
McKeon stated in his letter to the President: "While the situation in Iraq has improved, I think it's fair to say that the situation is far from normal. As long as we have a force presence in Iraq our leadership should continue to partner with Iraq's political leadership to ensure the right decisions are made. Robust engagements and flexible timelines seem to be the key to a successful redeployment plan."
Washington, D.C.—The New York Times is reporting today that the Government of Iraq approved a law that will allow national elections to proceed in January. According to the story, "The election, only the second national vote since the fall of Saddam Hussein, will be a crucial step toward popular sovereignty and stability in Iraq."
The election law "had been stymied by a political battle over the northern province of Kirkuk"---an oil-rich area claimed by Kurds, Arabs and Turkmen. The New York Times reports: "American and Iraqi officials hope the election will cement democracy here at a time when many people have grown discontented with their leadership and fed up with continued violence, corruption and high unemployment."
According to senior civilian and military leaders, a successful Iraqi national election is instrumental to achieving President Obama's aggressive goal of redeploying all U.S. troops from Iraq by the end of 2011.
In a November 4th letter, Rep. Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-CA), the senior Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, urged the President to ensure enough flexibility exists within the redeployment plan so any draw down does not sacrifice security.
While the election law has been approved by the Iraqi Parliament, many hurdles still exist before the election can occur.
McKeon stated in his letter to the President: "While the situation in Iraq has improved, I think it's fair to say that the situation is far from normal. As long as we have a force presence in Iraq our leadership should continue to partner with Iraq's political leadership to ensure the right decisions are made. Robust engagements and flexible timelines seem to be the key to a successful redeployment plan."
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