Politicking in Iraq

Nibras Kazimi at Talisman Gate has some interesting analysis covering the political wheeling and dealing taking place in Iraq as a prelude to the upcoming elections. I particularly like this line:

"The Islamic Party folks, even after the change of leadership, are being treated like lepers. No one wants to play with them."

This one ain't bad, either:

"Maliki will not join the new UIA. He’s taken to calling the UIA the “al-khatt al-irani” (‘The Iranian Line [Faction]’) in recent weeks."

Good!! Oh what a wonderful day it would be if Iranian people manage to topple its Islamist regime and both Iraq and Iran emerge as wholly secular democracies. That would be a tidal wave felt round the world.