Prometheus 6

A second danger is that the United States could appear to be taking sides in the escalating sectarian strife....A decision to step back from reconciliation efforts would also be highly controversial among America's closest allies in the region, which are all Sunni governments. Sunni leaders in Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf sheikdoms have been pressuring the United States to ensure that their brethren are included in Iraq's power structure and economy.

U.S. Considers Ending Outreach to Insurgents
By Robin Wright
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, December 1, 2006; A01

The Bush administration is deliberating whether to abandon U.S. reconciliation efforts with Sunni insurgents and instead give priority to Shiites and Kurds, who won elections and now dominate the government, according to U.S. officials.