Iraqis suffered more attacks yesterday. More than a dozen people, including several policemen, were killed in separate attacks and suicide bombings. Obviously, security is not getting any better in the country.
On the other hand, Iraqi leaders seem to be oblivious to the fact that as long as there is no government in place, the security situation will only get worse.
From the United Nations Security Council to Iraq’s highest religious authority, everybody has urged the rival factions to come to their senses and sit down to find a way out of the deadlock.
The issue boils down to the fierce rivalry between two people, Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki and former prime minister and leader of the Iraqiya parliamentary bloc Eyad Allawi.
Many have suggested that things can move forward if the two men sit down and sort out the political mess. But they are not willing to do it.
It is time for the Presidential Council and the leaders of other major parties to force a process that is transparent, fair and inclusive, to form a new national unity government.
Iraq, and the region, cannot afford the stalemate. As the Americans prepare to leave, the Iraqi people look forward to a strong and united government that will shoulder twin responsibilities — restoring stability and rebuilding the country.
