Iraq Leaders Consider Extending Deadline

[sabra]

http://www.cumberlink.com/articles/2005/08/14/ap/headlines/d8c08qmo0.txt

Iraq Leaders Consider Extending Deadline

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Leaders of Iraq's factions considered extending Monday's deadline for a new constitution as last-minute talks produced no agreement on a federated state and other divisive issues, despite U.S. pressure against any delay.

Early Monday, Shiite and Kurdish leaders signaled they were prepared to submit the draft to parliament Monday evening _ even if they had to do so over Sunni Arab objections.

That risked a backlash among Sunni Arabs, who form the core of the insurgency, which could undermine the American goal of using the constitution to lure away Sunnis from the insurgency.

With stakes so high, public positions among the factions changed by the hour. As Monday's meeting time for the National Assembly drew near, Shiite and Kurdish officials were considering asking parliament to extend the deadline.

[mom cat]

1. I'm shocked!

[bemildred]

2. Yeah, who could have predicted this? nt