Iraqi Council's Path Diverges From U.S. Plan

[Judi Lynn]

September 20, 2003

THE WORLD
Iraqi Council's Path Diverges From U.S. Plan
Representatives act without consulting the coalition authority, a sign of a power struggle.


By Alissa J. Rubin, Times Staff Writer


BAGHDAD — Cracks are emerging in the relationship between the U.S.-led Coalition Provisional Authority and the Iraqi Governing Council, suggesting that as the Iraqis gain more power they may pursue policies that could undercut coalition efforts to install a democratic government here.

The unelected council members, appointed in consultation with the coalition, have begun approving measures and publicly floating proposals without discussing them first with coalition leaders. Topics include ridding the government of many former members of Saddam Hussein's Baath Party, remaking the nation's security forces, outlining the criteria for Iraqi citizenship and prodding Americans to hand over power more quickly.

One proposal likely to be approved by the council envisions combining the militias of various factions as well as some members of the old regime's police and military into a paramilitary force controlled by the Iraqi Interior Ministry — a move that coalition officials worry could create a host of problems.

"We know there is concern about the security situation — a concern the coalition shares," said Dan Senor, a spokesman for and advisor to coalition administrator L. Paul Bremer III.
But we also have to ensure that when we leave Iraq, the security structure has a proper vetting process so that former Baathists and dead-enders and Mukhabarat don't figure out a way to weasel back into the security structure," Senor said. "We also have to make sure that there is respect for human rights and a high standard of professionalism."(snip/...)

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-assess20sep20235424,1,1278602.story?coll=la-headlines-world-manual

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[Mari333]

1. Gee what a surprise. Not.

Where in the world did the BushCabal come up with the inane idea that Iraq would roll over and become some middle class US form of democracy? Did NO one read a thing about religious factions and the religio-political structure of Iraq? Im some old lady in MI and I foresaw this a long time ago. You dont stir up a hornets nest, and then expect the hornets to march to your orders.
Get out of there, you morons, and quit now. It may be too late already to undo the damage.

[priller]

2. I sense Chalabi behind this

He's been harping on the militia angle for a long time. It appears to me that he simply wants his own army for his own purposes. If he can get his army, then get the US to vacate, then he can rock and roll over his enemies and grab the top spot.

In any case, if the US leaves soon, I can't imagine any other scenario than civil war between the Shias and Sunnis and Kurds, with Iran and Turkey and Syria and the Saudis all muddying up the works. Good God, what a mess they've made.

[aneerkoinos]

3. "undercut coalition efforts to install a democratic government"

Fucking media whores.

As if US would be interested in true democracy and self governement. The Iraqi Counsil, on the other hand, probably want's true true democracy, not a US proxy.