Iraqis forward, Bush steps back

Iraqi Parliament Awaits Constitution-[Guardian]:

"The Kurds demand federalism to protect their self-rule in three northern provinces. Sunni Arabs oppose that, fearing Kurds want to declare independence. Shiites are divided, with factions supporting federalism wanting to build a Shiite region in the south."

Faltering on the first deadline for adopting a consitution, the Iraqi government worked feverishly against a Monday midnight deadline to produce a consensus draft. But the document being submitted lacks the backing of the Suuni minority, begging the case of its legitimacy, threatening its ability to be ratified in October, and perhaps fueling further the disaffection of the insurgency.

Meanwhile, President Bush rehearsed and rehashed old remarks in his first major address following his summer-long vacation escape in Crawford, Texas. Nearby, anti-war protester had set up a pilgrimage camp and site for much of this same period in support of Cindy Sheehan, a bereaved mother who lost her son in the early days of the Iraq War.

As time has passed, the rationale for invading Iraq has been debunked and dismissed, leaving President Bush with nothing but repeating hackneyed maxims to vetted and supporter-friendly audiences, while the nation smolders in the last days of summer before returning to Washington business.

More:

• 'Dead Wrong': Inside an Intelligence Meltdown [CNN]
• Bush defends Iraq war policy to veterans group [CNN]
• Commonsense questions Americans should ask [dailyKos]