Counting

A bit of a lull over the past week. We have a Florida situation here- some recounts in several of the provinces. As you might imagine, the threshold for 'voting irregularities' isn’t that high. Looks like the ‘yes’ vote will eventually be announced, but personally we’re prepared either way. If the Sunnis voted it down it would help convince them that the process works. Unfortunately there are some that will never be interested in the process. The upcoming elections will make that divide even wider- I think a lot of violence will be directed at those Sunnis who have decided to join the government and run for office. We’re having a conference this weekend on governance and the political process; my team is working with State, USAID, IRMO and the Army civil affairs units to develop the next phase of engagement for local government. Back in June I mentioned a new initiative that was getting kicked off. We’re moving to a new phase now- which means a new acronym. And more PowerPoint slides. I’m not sure what else yet. I’ve been writing some pieces for a Baghdad smartbook. I’ll drop a few onto this site for your edification.