Really, we are disappointed with that. It seems like the Americans want to have a constitution at any cost,

We are not yet in a civil war. But if the ongoing violence is not contained, it will turn into an Iraqi-Iraqi war.

This is the first time that I have heard politicians say they are worried about the outbreak of civil war.

Being a Muslim, he understands what Islam means, and Islam is very important in Iraq right now. And being an Easterner he understands our traditions.

If the position of the Shiite alliance is final, then things will be more complicated and the formation of the government might face delays.

It’s unfair and I didn’t vote for it. It’s a double standard and it shouldn’t have happened.

Any day that passes, we lose a day of work.

We don’t want to violate the constitution before our first meeting.

When it’s in your favor, you say ‘voters.’ When it’s not in your favor you say ‘eligible voters.’

Everyone is nervous. The security situation is not good. There are so many explosions at the checkpoints and near the convoys. The Americans are afraid. And when the driver doesn’t see them, it happens sometimes...

The (committee) members will study and discuss the names, make their choices and then present them to the heads of the blocs either tonight or tomorrow.

The visit to Turkey showed that he makes decision without consulting anybody, like during the last Cabinet. That has ignited a new dissatisfaction.

[Sunni approval of the constitution would have] created a big movement against the terrorists, … It is a good document. What worries us is our Sunni Arab friends.

Without any doubt, there is American pressure on everybody. The U.S. wants to reach a solution and finalize an agreement, and they say that the date of Aug. 15 is sacred.

Violence has its fingerprints on everything. It’s affecting everything and every activity.

We should not be with one side or the other, but somewhere in the middle.

We call on you all to take part in the elections, … We don’t want federalism.

We’re short of time it’s the fault of the Americans. They are always insisting on short deadlines. It’s as if they’re [making] hamburgers and fast food.

We have seen in recent weeks a security crisis, then a political crisis. This would mean we would now have a constitutional crisis.

Sometimes it seems it is even more important to them that we get a deal. They are concerned, and very active, … If there’s no success, it affects them as well. I think they are...

Americans are working very hard to work out something.

It is very important to clarify – an investigation could help defuse tension.

but the question is, would this draft satisfy the Sunni Arabs’ demands.

If we’d had more time, it would have been possible to get Sunni participation. When Oct. 15 comes, many won’t even have seen the constitution.

It would be more appropriate if they would leave us alone. Let us solve our problems by ourselves.