Number: RS21968
Title: Iraq: Politics, Elections, and Benchmarks
Authors: Kenneth Katzman, Specialist in Middle Eastern Affairs 
Abstract: Iraq's political system, the result of a U.S.-supported election process, continues to be riven by sectarianism and ethnic and factional infighting. As 2009 begins, there is renewed maneuvering by opponents of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to possibly try to replace him. Internal dissension aside, the Bush Administration has been optimistic that the passage of key laws in 2008, coupled with the provincial elections to be held January 31, 2009, will sustain recent reductions in violence. Campaigning for the provincial elections, to be held in all provinces except Kirkuk and the Kurdish-controlled provinces, has thus far been relatively peaceful and enthusiastic and party slates appear to be considerably different than those that competed in the January 2005 provincial elections.
Pages: 9
Date: Updated January 2, 2009