Right after my post below, I note that James Joyner links to an AP story that states Iraq Leaders Agree on Draft Constitution
:

Iraqi politicians agreed Monday on a draft constitution but decided to put off two key issues — women’s rights and whether Kurds might someday secede — so the document could be submitted to parliament by a midnight deadline, two Shiite officials said.

Interesting.

I can certainly see why secession rights would be a problem. Federalism is one thing, the legal right to secede is wholly another.

The fact that women’s rights are a sticking point is telling about the state of political Islam in the region. Further, it underscored the degree to which the rights of women in a given location to be treated as fully human beings along with men are a key indicator of political development.

I look forward to seeing what is contained in the document.

Update:: Perhaps the AP spoke too soon.