Just In: Iraq elections assessment from bitterlemons-international.org

The "Best & Brightest" thinkers from the Middle East and beyond discuss the Iraqi elections. (Also see: The Iraqi elections: external involvement Ed. 5 Vol. 8 - February 25, 2010)

A victory for Iran?
Sadegh Zibakalam

In the short term, anti-western forces both inside and outside Iraq can smile.

The game is not over
Safa A. Hussein

If all four blocs form a government, this could ease tensions with Saudi Arabia.

Turbulence at the exits
Greg Bruno

The political turbulence following the March 7 vote--and the wave of violence that punctuated it--illustrates just how long the road for Iraq truly is.

Building a state on a sectarian, ethnic and quota basis
Sawsan al-Assaf

Sectarianism will almost certainly ensure that Iraq's major cities again witness an increase in violence.

Read them @ bitterlemons-international.org

Be sure to browse bitterlemons-international archives too.

Recent roundtable topics:
The Arab League and Palestinian-Israeli proximity talks Ed. 7 Vol. 8 - March 11, 2010

* "All that is needed at this time is public Arab support" - Daoud Kuttab
* "High probability of failure" - Shlomo Brom
* "Reverse engagement" - Rime Allaf

The Mabhouh assassination in Dubai Ed. 6 Vol. 8 - March 01, 2010

* "Israel must be held accountable" - Ghassan Khatib
* "A brilliant blunder" - Josef Joffe
* "Hypocrisy" - Yossi Alpher
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