Federalism in Iraq Could Be a Gusher for Oil

The Bush administration has embraced a more regional solution to security during the recent "surge." Much has been made of our joining forces with Sunni militias to try and reduce the influence of Al-Qaeda in Iraq -- AQI. According to the administration, success against AQI has been made, but it is not clear if this regional model of security can be replicated in other areas.

Finally, Iraqis have a national identity. The unity has been tested by sectarian violence and a winner-take-all mentality. The Shias saw themselves as winners following the fall of Saddam Hussein, who was a Sunni. The problem clearly lies in getting all sides to come together and agree without one of the factions perceiving it has lost. Perhaps a looser federalist state will accomplish this goal.

Biden's prescience on Iraq shows he understands the reality on the ground. The Bush administration has high hopes for a regional solution to security, but the greater question is how long it will be before the administration wises up and works toward U.S. withdrawal from Iraq.