The denial of the opportunity to Muktadr Sadr's victorious candidates to take a lead in the formation of a government, indeed the action of the courts in stalling and inhibiting the appointment of a new president, has led Iraq to the brink of a Shiite-Shiite civil war, as militia leaders who did badly in the elections seek to retain their power.
The prospect of a new election is slim and even then, would a rerun of the parliamentary elections actually provide a way forward.
Next Century Foundation Secretary General, William Morris, gives his take on the crisis.
Reflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation