Other leaders have said they do not expect elections for at least one year. During the transition, they hope to recruit Iraqis to join them in a national assembly of about 350 people.
The eruption of political activity has only added to the general anxiety felt by some Iraqis at the abrupt changes in their lives.
Abdelkhader said he had to bow to pressure from the Islamic party and allow one of its activists to watch over the new Khadra Area Medical Center, which was created in the plundered Baath office three weeks ago.
The clinic is staffed by 20 medical professionals who come by before or after their regular jobs. About 200 people, unable to reach hospitals because of gas shortages and the absence of buses, pass through each day for help with everything from stomach aches to chest pains.
From the start, the staff was bombarded with offers.
"Some political parties offered guns and protection, but I told them that what I need are drugs," Abdelkhader said.
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