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Iraq
Biden backs election ban on Iraq's Baath party
2010-01-24
[Al Arabiya Latest] Vice President Joe Biden told Iraqi officials on Saturday the United States backed a ban on Saddam Hussein's Baath party and said he had faith Iraq would resolve a row over the banning of election candidates suspected of links to it.

U.S. officials say the arbitrary way the list banned candidates appears to have been drawn up and the questionable legitimacy of the panel could undermine the election.

" He made the point that they want to see a transparent, fair election that has credibility, both for the Iraqi people and foreign people, but how you do it is your business "
Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari
But Biden, on his third visit to Iraq since U.S. troops pulled out of city centers in June, said Washington had no problem with holding Baath party loyalists accountable.

"I want to make clear I am not here to resolve that issue (of the banned candidates). This is for Iraqis, not for me. I am confident that Iraq's leaders are seized with this issue and are working for a final, just solution," Biden said.

The 511 candidates banned from taking part are accused of membership or other links to executed former President Saddam Hussein's outlawed Baath party, feared Fedayeen (Men of Sacrifice) militia or Mukhabarat intelligence agency.

The dispute has stoked tension between the Shiite majority now leading the government and the Sunni Arab former elite and has also exposed the failings of a much vaunted but apparently stumbling national reconciliation process.
Posted by:Fred

#2  Well, compared to doofus, the Iraqis have it under control.

Maybe Biden may be used in another country now...
Posted by: newc   2010-01-24 12:43  

#1  Ah -- the world is good --- The Biden hath spoken. (Does that mean ACORN won't be traveling to Iraq?)
Posted by: Sherry   2010-01-24 00:32  

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