Article on Iraq

[dijetlo]

Interesting article on the hand-over. Hillory Clinton and Colin Powell agree on more UN involvement in setting the timetable and monitoring the hand-over. Sistani, a shia cleric, wants more heed payed to Islam in the plan and free popular elections instead of the caucuses that the Council put forward. At least the popular elections strike me as a good idea.

Under the U.S. plan, the assembly will choose an interim government which will take over power from the occupation administration by the start of July. A constitution will be written and elections held by the end of 2005.

Any bets on wether we pull that off?

 

[5stringJeff]

That's a very agressive timetable, expecially since the year ends in one month! But I think that Bush wants the new Iraqi government up and running as soon as possible, just like anyone else.

 

[jimnyc]

This is a perfect example of "being stuck between a rock and a hard place".

People will complain that this initiative is rushing things, and if he didn't initiate this transfer there will be plenty complaining that we need to get out.

 

[Jeff K]

It's also critical to his re-election campaign. With the casualities mounting and opinion polls slowly showing less support for him, Bush will want to seriously show the public that progress is being made.