Iraq: Renewed Blacklist Uncertainty?

Yesterday, word came in that an Iraqi appeals court had overturned the Accountability and Justice Commission’s blacklist for the upcoming March elections. The move was celebrated by both Sunni groups and international observers as a triumph for Iraq’s nascent democracy. However, as multiple news outlets are now reporting, the outlook for free and open participation in the upcoming elections remains murky. Accountability Commision leader Ali Faisal al-Lami, incensed that the appeals court would dare to infringe upon the commission’s domain, accused U.S. officials of pressuring judges and unduly interfering with Iraqi affairs. A government spokesman similarly condemned the ruling, calling it “illegal and unconstitutional.” And earlier today, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki met with Speaker of Parliament Ayad al-Sammaraei to schedule an emergency parliamentary session on February 7 to address the court’s decision.

In light of these events, the official campaign season — originally scheduled to kick off this coming Sunday — has been pushed back until Friday, February 12. Look for further commentary and analysis of this ongoing story in the coming days.