Analysis: Iraq partition fight shows steep learning curve for legislators

Abdul Aziz al-Hakim leads the Shi'ite coalition

ABDUL AZIZ AL-HAKIM wears the black turban signifying descent from the prophet Muhammad. He leads a powerful Shiite party with close ties to Iran. And he heads the United Iraqi Alliance, the Shiite coalition that has been the dominant force in post-invasion Iraqi politics.

Yet early this month this powerful leader made what some politicians here thought a rookie mistake. He tried — and failed — to rush through Parliament a bill giving Shiite-dominated provinces in southern Iraq a procedure to form autonomous states that could take control of much of Iraq’s oil reserves.

When his bid failed, it appeared to unmask a weakness that emboldened his opponents to fight him harder on the larger issue: how soon autonomous regions can be formed in Iraq. Instead of a quick decision, he got a protracted debate that continued into the weekend.

The slipup shows how steep the learning curve may be for Iraq’s legislators — even the most wily — as they observe democratic procedures.

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