Perspective: Political wrangling still stands in way of Iraq meeting major benchmarks

Soon to be Prime Minister Maliki voting in Iraq's general election in 2005.

BAGHDAD (AP) - Iraq's fragmented leadership is struggling to meet the major benchmarks that it has pledged to the United States to achieve soon, with political wrangling and a chaotic legislature standing in the way.

The issue took on new urgency last week when House Democrats drafted legislation that would require President Bush to certify by July 1 and again by Oct. 1 whether the Iraqi government is making progress on security, an oil plan and constitutional amendments...

But the Iraqis face a host of stumbling blocks that go to the heart of the crisis. And recent talk of changes in Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government may just increase the paralysis as groups maneuver for power.

Read the rest at AOL News