They could be a force for cross-sectarian reconciliation, since many of the big tribal confederations, such as the Shammar, straddle the Sunni-Shia divide.

ECONOMIST: Iraq??s tribes may hold the balance of power

This leaves the field to liberal Sunnis like Adnan Pachachi of the Iraqi Independent Democrats, who may pick up votes from secular-leaning Iraqis in parts of Baghdad where it is safe enough to go to the polls, and to Sunnis with strong tribal links, such as those of the interim president, Ghazi al-Yawer, and his powerful Shammar tribe.

ECONOMIST: Iraq: It'll soon be time, at last, to vote | The