It's clear that we have a lot at stake in Iraq. Failure is not an option for Iraqis or for us here in Iraq. |
jaded about events as historic as this constitution. |
Leaders decided to bring forward the opening of the assembly now rather than on the 19th. |
Like the U.S. Constitution, this is a living document that can be adjusted if necessary to reflect the values and needs of the Iraqi people, ... Additional changes and compromises will be necessary in the coming months. |
More Iraqis are dying from militia violence than from the terrorists. The militias need to be under control. |
Now several groups of them support the constitution, are voting for it, |
Of course there will be some difficult issues to deal with in the coming weeks, particularly the security ministers. But we had to have this. It's been a good day. |
Our common goal is to help Iraq stand on its own feet as quickly as possible. |
Our patience is running out with Syria, |
Our patience is running out, the patience of Iraqis [is] . . . running out. The time for decision . . . has arrived for Damascus, |
Our patience is running out, the patience of Iraqis are running out. The time for decision ... has arrived for Damascus, |
prepared to offer whatever assistance we can to help the victims of this terrible tragedy. |
ratification of the constitution signals major progress toward that goal. |
right for Iraq at the present time. |
Since no single party will have a majority there will be a need for a very broad-based coalition. |