Iraqi politicians and commentators are discussing a possible scenario, reportedly sponsored by the U.S., under which Ayad Allawi becomes prime minister of Iraq and Nouri Al-Maliki president, along with the assigning of the powerful Ministry of Defense to his Da'wa party, and electing a Kurd as a speaker of parliament.

It is said that the Sunnis, although they will be denied a "sovereign" post under such a scenario, would accept the arrangement gladly, because it will put an end to sectarianism and to the allocation of major government posts according to a system of "has-hasah" [share eligibility] based on a sectarian-anchored formula.

As far as the role of the U.S. in the Iraqi political process is concerned, the London daily Al-Sharq Al-Awsat reports today, citing sources in the White House, that the administration is more concerned about forming a government that reflects the will of the people than about the allocation of posts to individuals.

In the meantime, U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Christopher Hill is talking to Iraqi leaders to encourage them to talk to each other and to expedite the formation of a new government.

[In recent days the U.S. has been asked by many political factions to be involved in the political process to neutralize the Iranian influence.]

Sources: Al-Hayat, London, www.uragency.net , April 22, 2010; Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, London, April 23, 2010

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