Institutional Roots of Iraq’s Political Impasse

Jack Santucci at the Democratic Piece has some good insights into the institutional foundations of Iraq’s current political impasse. Jack’s basic point is that the primary fear of minority groups in Iraq (Kurds and Sunnis) is domination by the majority Shia.  Thus, we should expect political leaders from these groups to use whatever means they have to prevent it. The big question is if can we get them to do it without violence. Jack analogizes what’s happening in Iraq today as a Game of Chicken and usefully reminds us that the car wreck is one outcome.