But it is far from certain that the Iraqi government will be able to tackle this issue and others, at least right away.
The political haggling since the elections has left whatever government emerges with a huge backlog of issues. While many suggest an inclusive government is ideal, bringing rivals together may pose problems.
"If you have a grab-bag government, with everybody represented, people have to be picked who can work effectively, who can, in effect, act as technocrats," said Dunne. "And I think this is going to be a very tall order."
As the United States steers its mission away from the military and toward the diplomatic, it faces other challenges.
Followers of Moqtada al Sadr, the Iranian-influenced, anti-U.S. cleric, are likely to be players in a new government. Al Sadr also is not fond of current Prime Minister Nuri al Maliki.
Some analysts say dealing with the Sadrists, however distasteful, is key to the diplomatic transition and a more stable Iraq.
"I think we stand some chance of getting them to be a somewhat more moderate force than they are today. And we need to wean them frankly, from Tehran. And that can only be done by talking to them, not holding them at a distance."
Serwer is concerned that, as the military mission winds down, Americans have begun to forget about Iraq.
"Iraq is inherently a very important country," he said. "It is important because of where it is. It is important because of the role it has played in world history. It is important because of the oil it has, and because of the neighbors it has."
最新
2013-11-27
2013-11-27
2013-11-27
2013-11-27
2013-11-27
2013-11-27