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Fisticuffs Over Security Deal End Session of Iraqi Parliament

Sadr ally allegedly shoves speaker

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 19, 2008 3:16 PM CST
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(Newser) – Discussion of the security deal between the US and Iraq deteriorated into a shouting match between members of the Iraqi parliament today, the New York Times reports. Parliament is scheduled to vote on the measure next week, but could not get through a reading of the agreement today before an opposition lawmaker allegedly physically attacked the speaker.

The session quickly ended in chaos. The supporters of Moqtada al-Sadr, who hold 32 seats of the 275 in parliament, oppose any agreement with the US on principle. Other lawmakers object to aspects of the deal, or to what they see as an attempt by the ruling Shiite faction to force its passage, but it is not clear how they will ultimately vote.

The reading of a security pact between the US and Iraq caused an uproar in the Iraqi parliament, with shouting between opposition and government lawmakers degenerating into shoving.
The reading of a security pact between the US and Iraq caused an uproar in the Iraqi parliament, with shouting between opposition and government lawmakers degenerating into shoving.   (AP Photo)
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Mailki, left, and President Jalal Talabani, right, are seen during a meeting in Baghdad, Oct. 17, 2008.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Mailki, left, and President Jalal Talabani, right, are seen during a meeting in Baghdad, Oct. 17, 2008.   (AP Photo)
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What we wanted to avoid we have fallen into. Maybe it is good. It will force us to look back at how we discuss things in parliament.

- Haider al-Abadi, Dawa Party

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Iraq • Iraqi Parliament • United States • America • Iraq parliament • Iraq security • Sadrists • Muqtada al-Sadr

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