The negotiations leading up to and the resulting contours of Iraq?s draft constitution?perceived by Sunni negotiators as dismissive and possibly abusive to Sunni interests?seem likely to exacerbate profoundly already roiling sectarian tensions and conflict. In turn, the political and sectarian wake of the constitution drafting process has the potential to set Iraq on a course toward a Sunni disillusionment with, and subsequent abandonment of, the political arena and government. This would likely lead to a retreat into greater support and participation in the insurgency .

It is understandable in human terms that the Kurdish and Shia communities would seek to empower themselves through the draft constitution?via a greater degree of political and economic autonomy within a federal Iraq?at the expense of Sunnis, following decades under the heel of Hussein and the Sunni ruling class. However, the disillusionment and embitterment of Sunnis with the prospects of the political process and government to further the Sunni community and its interests, creating greater suspicion, tension, and animosity toward the dominant ethnic and religious communities of the Shia/Kurd government, carries dangerous dynamics and potentials.