The US and British governments yesterday formally began the tortuous process of steering Iraq towards a democratic future. But the first day of talks was undermined by technical delays, schisms and fierce political and religious unrest across the country.
The meeting, outside Nassiriya, went ahead despite a boycott by the main Shia group in Iraq. The Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq is Iranian-backed, and if it foments unrest, its actions could increase tension between Washington and Tehran.
The meeting ended with only broad outlines for a new government agreed. In spite of the setbacks, Mr Jay Garner, the retired US general in charge of reconstruction, declared at the start of the meeting: "A free Iraq and a democratic Iraq will begin today."
As exile groups sat down with selected Iraqis from within the country, there was a huge Shia demonstration in Nassiriya calling for rule by their ayatollahs. Residents expressed disapproval of Mr Ahmad Chalabi, an exile who is being pushed by the Pentagon as the next Iraqi leader.
Despite a promise by the US that the UN would have a "vital role", it was not invited to the meeting.
American soldiers were still struggling to enforce security across Iraq yesterday. There was trouble in the northern city of Mosul where a riot erupted as the new self-styled governor tried to address a crowd. At least 12 people were killed and 60 injured as US troops tried to restore order.
There was also Shia unrest in Basra and Kut, and hundreds more led demonstrations in Baghdad against the continued descent into lawlessness.