The politicians and law makers in the volatile and fragile nation of Iraq have finally reached an agreement, unanimously passing a new election law, that is expected the country to conduct fair and decisive elections in the month of January next year. If the elections are a success without any allegations of fraud or wrong doing, then the United States would be able to accelerate its troops withdrawal.

Although, there have been elections conducted in Iraq once after the fall of Saddam Hussein, still the next year’s polls are extremely crucial for establishing sustained and proactive government in Baghdad. The political parties in Iraq had been at loggerheads with each other over the control of Kirkuk province, an Iraqi state that is known to be rich in oil deposits. Kurds, Arabs and Turkmens have been vying for administrative powers in Kirkuk to tap into the riches that are in the oil deposits.

Speaking on the new Iraqi election law, U.S President Barrack Obama said,

“This agreement advances the political progress that can bring lasting peace and unity to Iraq, and allow for the orderly and responsible transition of American combat troops out of Iraq by next September.”

The passing of the election law is being seen as a major breakthrough for Iraq’s politics where petty sectarian differences can bring an entire government to a grinding halt.

Nuri Kamal al-Maliki, the incumbent Prime Ministers of Iraq has welcomed the new law and has stated that, this milestone reached by the Iraqi Parliament is a testament to Iraqi people’s will and a strong opposition to the forces that are trying to destabilize the country. The U.S theater commanders have already formulated plans for the speedy withdrawal of all 120,000 U.S troops after the elections, apart from the 50,000 or so troops who will be in the country in an advisory and support role.

Via New York Times.