Jack Kingston

From today’s Washington Post:

“WHILE WASHINGTON was seized with congressional negotiations over the Wall Street bailout, Iraq’s parliament on Wednesday took another major step toward political stabilization. By a unanimous vote, the national legislature approved a plan for local elections in 14 of 18 provinces by early next year — clearing the way for a new, more representative and more secular wave of politicians to take office.” Full editorial here.

Important information on the legislation:

• eliminates the party slate system which allowed religious factions to dominate elections
• secures 25% of seats for women to give them a voice in their government
• allows Sunni leaders to compete in elections

This is great news for Iraq and is a another sign of the great progress being made there.