The most important advice for Iraq's political elite is to remain focused on the country's priorities. It would be catastrophic for the leaders in a country torn apart — with large swathes of it controlled by terrorist groups and citizens facing existential challenges and extermination — to have misplaced priorities. The backstage political disputes surrounding the formation of a new government, however, leads one to believe that the parties, coalitions and political figures are oblivious to the facts on the ground.
Negotiations over the government are being conducted according to the same calculations when forming previous governments. The Shiites are arguing over the parties' share of government posts, while the Sunni powers are raising the ceiling on their demands, insisting on 18 requirements to participate in the government. They are fighting over positions and privileges as well. Meanwhile, the Kurds have linked a new government to a set of existing demands revolving around the resolution of historical conflicts with Baghdad, the disputed areas and the export of oil.
