This article, a translation of the Iraqi Institute for Dialog from Kenneth Pollack's 2010 analysis, examines the political battle in Iraq following the March 7 elections. The text highlights the ongoing political stalemate due to the proportional representation system, which has made it difficult for winning coalitions such as Iraqiya and State of Law to form a ruling majority.

He also analyzes the strategies of Nouri al-Maliki and Iyad Allawi in government formation negotiations, noting the importance of the role of the United States and the United Nations Mission (UNAMI) as potential mediators to break this deadlock.

Moreover, the document warns of the risks of a return to civil war in light of this fragile political situation and the decline of US security influence, stressing the need for the new government to adhere to the results of elections and change to meet the demands of the Iraqi people.