Analysis of the 2010 Iraqi Parliamentary Elections

A fragile agreement on Iraq’s new election law has fallen apart, casting doubt that the country’s upcoming parliamentary elections will be held by the January 31, 2010 deadline. The battle lines remain drawn along an openly sectarian divide, pitting Sunna, who oppose the new law and seek more representation, against Kurds and Shia's. Disagreement now centers on how the parliamentary seats are apportioned among Iraq’s provinces, not on the fate of the disputed city of Kirkuk.