Perspective: In Iraq, budget is divisive too

BAGHDAD — It's budget time in Iraq, and the lively debates that have erupted would strike a familiar chord for observers of such talks in any American statehouse or European parliament.

But war-ravaged Iraq is no ordinary country, and the murkiness surrounding many items in the proposed 2007 budget has contributed to the general distrust between sectarian factions as well as widespread doubts about the ability of the government of Prime Minister Nouri Maliki to manage the nation.

Nearly $2 billion of the budget is allocated to agencies beyond the oversight of the central government at a time when potential international donors have balked at tossing more money into what has been viewed as a black hole.

The potential for abuse is high. Most ministries get multimillion-dollar discretionary funds known as "social benefits" with few spending safeguards, Iraqi officials say.

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