Wesley Clark Op-Ed (sub rqd)

There is a really good op-ed in today's New York Times about changing the strategy in Iraq. While I don't agree that we should stay in Iraq longer and I think that at least in the op-ed he understates some of the problems, he makes some good points about how we should alter the political process. He writes:

"First, the Iraqis must change the Constitution as quickly as possible after next week's parliamentary elections. Most important, oil revenues should be declared the property of the central government, not the provinces. And the federal concept must be modified to preclude the creation of a Shiite autonomous region in the south."

While the U.S. should not be seen as interfering (any more than they are by occupying the country) in the political process, it would be nice to see a consensus reached among Iraqis on the scope of Federal government power, particlularly regarding oil profits. Part of the problem that skewed the Constitution away from the interests of Sunnis was their boycott at the elections in January, which were probably not free and fair. However, now that it appears Sunnis are participating in the elections, a golden opportunity presents itself to strengthen the country's government.