ONE NATION UNDER GOD

International | IRAQ: Iraqi leaders and U.S. officials race a Feb. 28 deadline to draft a constitution by the people for the people—but it won't be easy | Mindy Belz

Nearly one year after Operation Iraqi Freedom began, the founding fathers for a new Iraq are set to publish their first blueprint for constitutional government. One week before a Feb. 28 deadline, negotiators were deadlocked over key points of the "fundamental law" but resolved to keep their pledge.

The outstanding points cover the conduct of future elections, religious freedom, Kurdish autonomy, and control over oilfields. No matter how many late-night kabobs and marathon sessions council members endure, none of the contentious issues is likely to be settled easily.

"It is fair to say that negotiations are complex, but at the same time we are confident we will meet the deadline we have set," said Qubad Talabani, spokesman for Iraqi Governing Council member Jalal Talabani.

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February 28, 2004, Vol. 19, No. 8

Iraq: The WMD debate Feb. 21, 2004	John Kerry: On a roll Feb. 14, 2004	Reagan: Providential president Feb. 7, 2004
Iraq: The other caucuses Jan. 31, 2004	Considering the heavens Jan. 24, 2004	Roe v. Wade @ 31 Jan. 17, 2004