General Odierno Expresses Concerns about Political Stalemate

While overseeing the departure of American forces in Iraq, Gen. Ray Odierno, warned Sunday that a new Iraqi government may still be months away from formation and said that an extended impasse could create demands for a new election to break the deadlock, which has existed since March 7th.

The New York Times published an excellent piece regarding statements made by Odierno yesterday, at headquarters.  While the general expressed couched optimism that negotiations had gained steam and would ultimately produce a functioning government, he predicted that negotiations would still take another “four to six to eight weeks.”

“That’s a guess,” he said in an interview at his headquarters, whose plaster roof is still engraved with the initials of Saddam Hussein. “If it goes beyond 1 October, what does that mean? Could there be a call for another election? I worry about that a little bit.”

I should say so. With that said, I cannot fathom where precedent for another election would arise, but in the nebulous world of Iraqi constitutionalism, I suppose anything’s possible.

Anthony Shadid of the Times put the hazard in crystalline context…

The prospect of another election would probably throw Iraq’s already turbulent politics into even greater turmoil as the United States begins withdrawing its last 50,000 troops, scheduled to be out by the end of 2011. While the election in March was viewed as successful, the periods before and after included bitter disputes over disqualifications, recounts, legal challenges and score-settling that exacerbated still smoldering sectarian tensions.

American officialdom had hoped a new Iraqi government would be in place by Tuesday, when President Obama is scheduled to address the nation about the end of the U.S. combat mission. Unfortunately, his words will be lost on the Iraqi public who have grown increasingly frustrated by the political deadlock, and the existing bureaucracy’s inability to provide the life simple bare necessities.

“The longer that takes, the more frustrated they might get with the process itself,” General Odierno said. “What I don’t want is for them to lose faith in the system, the democratic system, and that’s the long-term risk, do they lose faith in the process.”

General Odierno will depart the country the day after Obama’s address, after four years spent in country. On Wednesday he will formally turn over command to Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, whose job it will be to safeguard his predecessor’s legacy and support the performance of Iraq’s security forces.

It now falls on them to protect and serve their nation. One must hope they’re up to the task.