Political Progress In Iraq?

You can count me "skeptical but hopeful." From Reuters:  Iraq's leaders agree on key benchmarks

Iraq's top Shi'ite, Sunni Arab and Kurdish political leaders announced on Sunday they had reached consensus on some key measures seen as vital to fostering national reconciliation.

The agreement by the five leaders was one of the most significant political developments in Iraq for months and was quickly welcomed by the United States, which hopes such moves will ease sectarian violence that has killed tens of thousands.

But skeptics will be watching for action amid growing frustration in Washington over the political paralysis that has gripped the government of Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.

The apparent breakthrough comes two weeks before U.S. President George W. Bush's top officials in Iraq present a report on the country that could have a major influence on future American policy in Iraq.

It may be that Bush's public complaining (bitching?) about the al-Maliki government might just have kick started something useful.  Although, as we draw ever closer to next years Presidential election you might expect the Iraqis to be worried about lessening U.S. support in the future.  If a political deal is ever to be struck it is getting close to "now or never" time.

Iraqi officials said the five leaders had agreed on draft legislation that would ease curbs on former members of Saddam Hussein's Baath party joining the civil service and military.

Consensus was also reached on a law governing provincial powers as well as setting up a mechanism to release some detainees held without charge, a key demand of Sunni Arabs since the majority being held are members of their sect.

The laws need to be passed by Iraq's fractious parliament, which has yet to receive any of the drafts.

Yasin Majid, a media adviser to Maliki, told Reuters the leaders also endorsed a draft oil law, which has already been agreed by the cabinet but has not yet gone to parliament.

But a statement from President Talabani's office said more discussions were needed on the draft oil law and constitutional reforms. Committees had also been formed to try to ensure a "balance" of Shi'ites, Sunni Arabs and Kurds in government.

The handling of oil revenues has long been a sticking point and it is here that the greatest skepticism is probably warranted.  No group controlling the central government will lightly relinquish such income.  In such cases last minute roadblocks to compromise are the rule, not the exception.

Still, the al-Maliki government may have just given the Bush administration the progress they needed before General Petraeus' report goes to Congress.  Congressional Democrats may rightly call it "too little accomplished too slowly" but they may also find it hard to turn their backs on it as well.

The surge was meant to provide breathing room for the Iraqi government. That it might do the same for the Bush administration would be decidedly unexpected.