A republic, if you can keep it

From the WashPost: “Iraq negotiators sign draft constitution”

Shiite Muslim and Kurdish negotiators formally signed Iraq's new draft constitution Sunday, moving it toward a national vote over the strong objections of some Sunni Arabs in the talks, who rejected a final draft.

President Jalal Talabani was expected to sign the draft charter later Sunday, officially concluding the phase of writing the constitution and committing it to a referendum to be held Oct. 15.

Of course the Sunnis are still deep in denial: “We’re not in power anymore? The majority will govern? What’s up with that?” That aside, there’s a lot to like in this Constitution including freedom of religion and rights for women, including fixed representation in the government. We’ll have to see how the referendum goes, but it’s fair to say that a democratic government in the Middle East (maybe) is a good thing.