"A Plan for Iraq" by Ayad Allawi in the Washington Post throws down the gauntlet to the government of PM Nouri al-Maliki - and lays out a six point program for getting Iraq up and running. Allawi, the former interim prime minister, seems to be appealing to the powers in DC for a second try. He notes that while the US in indispensible in helping, Iraq ultimately needs to solve its own problems via reconciliation, free markets and an end to sectarian violence.
This, of course, must be music to Washington - and America's ears. The question is if Allawi can deliver on this six point plan. Obviously it would seem almost anything would be better than the current situation - especially if there is a significant draw down of US troops. If he can be Mr. Fixit for Iraq, probably any efforts he would make to muscle his way to the top would get Washington's blessing. The problem will be if the Shia militias who have propped up al-Maliki and the Sunni insurgents will live to fight another day and obviate his efforts.
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