Iraqi politicians seek to find agreement on constitution

A blinding sandstorm in Baghdad forced the postponement of a meeting scheduled by Iraqi political leaders to discuss issues blocking agreement on a new constitution, President Jalal Talabani’s office announced.

With only a week until the deadline for a new constitution, Iraqi political leaders had launched marathon negotiations yesterday at Talabani’s home. A second meeting was originally scheduled for this evening but the storm reduced visibility to nearly zero, making it dangerous to move about the city.