US military: Period after Iraq’s national vote could be more dangerous than election day
By APFriday, February 19, 2010
US: Post-vote period critical for Iraq
BAGHDAD — A senior U.S. military commander says the period after Iraq’s upcoming national elections could be more dangerous than election day itself.
Brig. Gen. Kevin Mangum says that officials fear a disputed vote result could re-ignite sectarian fighting that once pushed Iraq to the brink of civil war. He says the time between the March 7 vote and the seating of a new government will be critical.
Officials say that could take months.
Mangum also said Friday the U.S. military is watching for signs of rising violence since a Shiite-led political vetting committee banned more than 440 candidates from running.
Most of the candidates are Sunni who say they have been unfairly accused of ties to Saddam Hussein’s outlawed Baath Party.
