Difficult Test Ahead for Iraq After Parliamentary Election

Interview with Mel Goodman, former CIA analyst and senior fellow at the Center for International Policy, conducted by Scott Harris

Iraq's Dec. 15th Parliamentary election saw an estimated 11 million Iraqis cast ballots for representatives that will form a new 4-year government. President Bush touted the success of the election, which was conducted with reduced levels of violence and the participation of large numbers of Sunni Muslims that had largely boycotted prior votes. Early returns indicated that with two thirds of the votes counted the main Shiite religious party coalition with strong ties to Iran, would dominate any new government. The party of Bush's ally, former prime minister Ayad Allawi, was trailing behind a Sunni coalition party that supports resistance to the occupation and a withdrawal of American forces.

In a Dec. 18 televised address to a nation increasingly opposed to the war, President Bush asked for patience and resolve in fighting insurgents in Iraq, but failed to lay out any timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. troops. While acknowledging some disagreements about his decision to launch the war, Bush went on to label some of his critics as defeatists.

Between The Lines' Scott Harris spoke with former CIA analyst Mel Goodman, a senior fellow at the Center for International Policy. He assesses Iraq's recent parliamentary elections and how it may affect the war and U.S. occupation.

Goodman's book, "Bush League Diplomacy: How the Neo-Conservatives are Putting the World at Risk," is published by Prometheus. Contact the Center for International Policy by calling (202) 232-3317 or visit their website at: www.ciponline.org/nationalsecurity

Related links:

Middle East Report website at www.merip.org

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