Lugar bugged by Iraqi political progress

WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Despite some positive trends coming out of Iraq, the political development expected in the wake of the so-called surge is largely absent, a U.S. lawmaker said.

Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., spoke to lawmakers on the House Foreign Affairs Committee ahead of testimony by Christopher Hill, the U.S. envoy to Iraq.

Lugar expressed concern that the Iraqi political system seemed mired in traditional manifestations of sectarianism and tribal loyalties.

He complained the central government in Baghdad remains weak while ethnic and sectarian divisions undermine any of the political accomplishments in Iraq.

"It appears that influence and control are achieved by the traditional means, even while the government muddles through day-to-day operations," he said.

He stressed there were "serious questions" about the plans to decrease the U.S. military footprint in Iraq under the bilateral Status of Forces Agreement, saying there was no clear understanding about how withdrawal would proceed under optimal conditions, "much less worst-case scenarios."

Meanwhile, with Arab-Kurdish tensions lingering in the minds of many U.S. lawmakers and political analysts, Lugar expressed concern over whether many of the current confrontations could be resolved.

Nevertheless, Hill told lawmakers, "We'll ensure that our troops are withdrawn on schedule, by the president's timetable."