On the way in to the office today I heard a discussion on NPR about the unliklihood that Iraq's new constitution will be completed in time to present to parliament by the deadline of August 15th. Sure, this is troubling, but is anyone surprised? There are some serious hurdles to overcome in the drafting of the nation's first constitution. Sticking points like land-ownership, official language, religion and state thresholds, the name of the country. Of course they can't stick with Iraq, that name's tainted! Well, here's what gets me. All of the warring factions of the Iraqi political body are fighting over which of the following best represents the country:

• The Federal Republic of Iraq
• The Islamic Republic of Iraq
• The Federal Islamic Republic of Iraq
• The Republic of Iraq

And this has been the most contentious issue in recent discussions. I wonder if Eric Idle and Adnan Mufti could come to an agreement.