Iraq’s leaders must reach a consensus

TEHRAN, Dec. 28 (MNA) -- The current political crisis in Iraq is rooted in an old dispute between the major groups in the country. The distribution of governmental posts has always been a source of conflict among Iraqi politicians. The recent charge that Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi masterminded assassination plots targeting government officials has intensified the current crisis and created more tension. To resolve the dispute, the country’s political figures are expected to sit down at the negotiating table and set aside their differences. This can strengthen national unity in a country that is still suffering from the impact of occupation. And the national negotiations should be conducted without external interference. Although it withdrew its troops from Iraq on December 18, the United States is still trying to maintain some political leverage in the country. Thus, Iraqi political parties should be aware of the impact of U.S. interference. The Iraqi Constitution is the best source of reference to use for setting aside differences at this critical juncture. The Judiciary and its proceedings on the assassination plot charges should also be respected in this regard. Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has recently called on the parliament to issue a vote of no confidence for Deputy Prime Minister Saleh al-Mutlaq, who had compared Maliki to a dictator. The parliament is expected to make a decision on the issue when it resumes its sessions at the beginning of the New Year. Until then, political figures have a very limited opportunity to come together and resolve the ongoing dispute. Over the past few years, similar endeavors have resulted in major achievements for the Iraqi government and the country’s political parties. With the departure of U.S. troops, Iraq is in a serious situation in terms of security and political independence. Thus, sowing discord will only deepen the crisis and can seriously undermine the country’s fragile unity.