Posted on 05/26/2004 1:34:54 PM PDT by TexKat
WASHINGTON - President Bush's first step toward creating a democratic Iraq may be the most problematic: "Transfer full sovereignty."
Each part of the plan is marked by uncertainties that could undermine the entire process.
A look at possible roadblocks in the run-up to the June 30 political handover:
_transferring full sovereignty to a government of Iraqi citizens.
U.N. envoy Lakhdar Brahimi is expected to recommend leaders of the new interim government within days. It is unclear if Brahimi will succeed in naming a government that satisfies Iraq's main factions.
Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds have different views about who should serve — and in what position. All are vying for one of the two top posts, president and prime minister.
The very term "full sovereignty" has been called in question. Some lawmakers and overseas officials say Iraq's sovereignty is clearly limited because the United States plans to retain control over U.S. and multinational military forces in the country after June 30.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Tuesday that the new Iraqi government should have the power to veto major military operations. But U.S. officials have not gone that far, saying only that they will take into account the Iraqis' views.
U.S. officials also have said the interim government could ask U.S. troops to leave. But that authority is not included in a draft U.N. resolution proposed by the United States and Britain on Monday.
The government will not have the power to enact new laws or change the interim constitution. That means Iraqis will be subject to laws in effect from the U.S. occupation.
_establishing the stability and security that democracy requires.
In recent months, violence in Iraq has risen. Bush himself noted that "the terrorists are likely to become more active and more brutal" ahead of the transition.
Bush spoke of the need to give Iraqis a greater role in security. But he also said, "In some cases, the early performance of Iraqi forces fell short."
Bush cited the all-Iraqi security force that was created to ease tensions in the Sunni city of Fallujah. That force has put the United States in the awkward position of depending on officers from Saddam Hussein (news - web sites)'s former army.
_enlisting additional international support.
France, which has veto power over the proposed U.N. resolution, wants to see the new government have more control over security.
The resolution calls for creation of "a distinct entity" to protect U.N. staff and facilities. That force would be within the multinational force commanded by the United States that is providing security throughout Iraq.
So far, additional nations have been reluctant to put their troops under a U.S. command. It is unclear if that wording in the new resolution, should it pass, would entice them.
The level of violence also has made it more difficult to attract foreign troops.
_rebuilding so Iraq can gain economic independence.
Bush cited progress in rebuilding schools and hospitals, repairing bridges, upgrading the electrical grid and modernizing communications.
But the violence has slowed reconstruction. Iraqis cooperating with Americans have been targets of insurgents.
In April, only 25 percent of Iraqi workers on reconstruction workers stayed on the job, although 75 percent are now reporting for work every day, a U.S. official said Monday.
A Russian energy company announced Wednesday that it will evacuate its 241 employees from Iraq after gunman killed two technicians heading to work at an electric power station.
Bush noted that $13.5 billion has been pledged to Iraq by 37 countries and international financial institutions. But that leaves the United States as the overwhelming source of foreign assistance, spending more than $20 billion on reconstruction.
_holding free national elections, no later than January.
Carina Perelli, the U.N. elections chief, has said that electoral procedures would have to be put in place by the end of May for elections to be held in January.
She has also stressed that the country will need stable security for the elections.
Is the media/mediots included in the list of roadblocks? Or the dems for that matter?
No, but in fairness, they did mention the french.
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