Why Jordan thinks Baathists belong in Iraqi reconciliation
Jordan is playing an important role as mediator in Iraq's national reconciliation efforts.
BAGHDAD — As fierce fighting continues against the Islamic State for the city of Mosul, political leaders are working to piece the fragments of a shattered Iraq back together.
During the Dec. 7 visit of Ammar al-Hakim, the head of the National Iraqi Alliance, to Amman, Jordan's King Abdullah examined details of a document known as the Historical Settlement, which the alliance has adopted with the goal of achieving national reconciliation in Iraq.
Sunni leaders also visited Jordan after this, including parliament Speaker Salim al-Jabouri, Mutahidoun bloc head Osama al-Nujaifi and Al-Arabiya coalition leader Saleh al-Mutlaq. The trio met Dec. 19 with Abdullah to discuss the document.
Some Sunni leaders have rejected the proposal, which was initiated by the predominately Shiite National Alliance. These Sunnis previously said they were preparing their own version to be unveiled this week. The Sunni disagreement is mostly over the de-Baathification and Popular Mobilization Units laws, and they want the amnesty law strengthened.
