Iraq’s Missing Parliament
Iraq’s parliament appears to play a largely superficial role, while political blocs and alliances make the decisions that matter.
![Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki waits to take an oath at the house of parliament in Baghdad Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki waits to take an oath at the house of parliament in Baghdad December 21, 2010. Iraq's parliament approved Nuri al-Maliki as prime minister on Tuesday, giving the Shi'ite leader a second term as Iraq tries to cement fragile security gains and build its fledging democracy. REUTERS/Saad Shalash (IRAQ - Tags: POLITICS IMAGES OF THE DAY) - RTXVXLT](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/almpics/2013/08/RTXVXLT.jpg/RTXVXLT.jpg?h=2d235432&itok=GJnPVNCC)
The main political leaders in Iraq would rather not involve themselves in a healthy parliamentary life.
Of course, the Iraqi parliament convenes on a regular basis, and votes without problems on procedural and formal laws, such as joining treaties. However, decisions on laws related to political processes are made or delayed by leaders of political parties.