Iraq's New Cabinet Formed

Iraq's new cabinet: "Three months of jockeying among Iraq's victorious Shiite and Kurdish parties have finally produced a Cabinet that won quick ratification from a legislature where those same parties dominate. The January election that began this process was inspiring. The months of petty haggling that followed were not, and while the formation of an elected Iraqi government is a historic moment, its makeup is far from ideal. Crucial choices have been needlessly delayed, and an incomparable opportunity for drawing patriotic Sunni Arabs away from the insurgency was largely squandered. Many Iraqis, particularly supporters of secularism, women's rights and national unity, will greet this government warily.

What will matter most is whether Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari can summon the vision and the strength to master his unruly coalition and start living up to voters' expectations. His initial broadcast to the Iraqi people was promising, but he faces a lot of obstacles." More...