Plan to split Iraq into 3 parts too hot to touch

Plan to split Iraq into 3 parts too hot to touch
Copyright by The Associated Press
September 11, 2006


BAGHDAD, Iraq -- A boycott by several political groups Sunday caused parliament to again put off a rancorous debate on a bill that Sunni Arabs fear will split Iraq apart and fuel sectarian bloodshed.

The bill, submitted by the largest Shiite Muslim bloc, the United Iraqi Alliance, calls for a three-part federation that would create a separate autonomous state in the predominantly Shiite south much like the zone run by Kurds in the north.

Many Sunni Arabs, whose minority dominated during Saddam Hussein's regime, are horrified by the idea. Both the north and south are rich in oil, and Sunnis fear they will end up squeezed into Baghdad and Iraq's western provinces, which have no natural resources.

Vehement objections from Sunni Arabs and an apparent split among Shiites led leaders to delay debate until Sept. 19.

''Federalism is a preliminary step to dividing and separating Iraq. I call on Iraqis to confront this draft,'' said Adnan al-Dulaimi, head of the largest Sunni bloc.

Meanwhile, authorities reported finding 11 more bodies that appeared to be victims of the religious reprisal killings that have surged in recent months.

AP