Following the ratification of Iraq's national constitution in the October 15 referendum, the December 15 parliamentary elections are set as the next milestone in Iraq's democratic political process:

  • How have the parties and alliances been reconfigured? Which new entrants can be expected to make strong showings?
  • What will be the impact of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani's decision not to endorse the United Iraqi Alliance?
  • Will the Sunni Arabs participate? What difference will it make?
  • How will changes in the electoral law reshape the political competition?
  • Will the election of a new parliament bring political stability or increased sectarian strife?
  • What impact will the insurgency have on the electoral process and the electoral outcome?

Speakers

  • Dana Eyre, Senior Fellow, U.S. Institute of Peace
  • Paul Hughes, Iraq Program Officer, Peace and Stability Operations, U.S. Institute of Peace
  • Phebe Marr, Senior Fellow, U.S. Institute of Peace
  • Jonathan Morrow, Iraq Program Officer, Rule of Law Program, U.S. Institute of Peace
  • Daniel Serwer, Vice President, Peace and Stability Operations, U.S. Institute of Peace, Moderator

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