Maliki's Iraq between Two Elections
In meetings conducted in Baghdad in May 2009, senior Iraqi leaders indicated how they interpret January’s provincial election results, expressed concerns about the recent downturn in security, lamented the tremendous financial pressure the government is feeling due to the decline in oil prices, and projected their hopes for national elections slated for 30 January 2010.
The Iraqis, numbering about 20, represented the highest level of nearly all of the main Iraqi political factions, including leaders in the Council of Representatives (COR), members of the presidency, and top officials in the government. The report also draws on insights from USIP's recent experience working with the newly elected Diyala Provincial Council.