Posted on 06/02/2004 3:35:01 PM PDT by Eurotwit
IT WAS almost unprecedented in the short history of Iraq’s fledgeling free press. Instead of the usual death and mayhem, or vitriolic editorials attacking the occupation, there was a sudden surge of optimism yesterday.
“It’s a new dawn for Iraq,” proclaimed Al-Sabah al-Jadid, a liberal daily, referring to Tuesday’s appointment of a new interim Iraqi President and government.
“Welcome to the new Iraqi leadership,” declared Az-Zawa, the newspaper of the journalists’ union.
“The Iraqi people are happy with the choice of Sheikh Ghazi al-Yawer,” said the Mutamar newspaper, referring to the new President.
But the violence did not suddenly abate. A car bomb killed five and wounded thirty-three in northern Baghdad. In Kirkuk, a rocket struck the main US military base, setting off a series of explosions at an arms store. American troops killed at least four Iraqis in continuing clashes with followers of the rebel cleric Hojatoleslam Moqtada al-Sadr in Najaf.
An Arab television station broadcast footage of an Iraqi group threatening to kill an Egyptian and a Turkish hostage.
But among ordinary Iraqis the mood was hopeful for the first time in months. That Sheikh al-Yawer was not the choice of the US or United Nations clearly helped him.
Washington’s preferred candidate, Adnan Pachachi, refused the job.
“Finally (the US administrator Paul) Bremer surrendered to the Iraqis will and pulled out his candidate after 24 hours of tough words and tension,” said Al-Sabah al-Jadid.
The sheikh is a leader of one of the country’s largest tribes, which includes both Sunnis and Shias, bringing him close to a people who have learned to distrust government, be it a dictator or foreign occupier.
“I’m sure things will get better now. The main thing is, he’s a son of Iraq and he knows how bad the situation is,” said Sabri Ziyara, a 28-year-old mechanic in Sadr City, a giant Baghdad slum.
“He is a good man; all my friends and family are optimistic,” said Anjad Abdulhamid, a salesman in a chandelier store in Mansour, Baghdad’s most expensive neighbourhood.
In an interview with al-Mada newspaper Sheikh al-Yawer said: “A complete national reconciliation is essential for building a new Iraq. This means rearranging the social fabric and restoring its balance away from score-settling and through direct, free and honest elections.”
Lakhdar Brahimi, the UN envoy who led the search for an interim government, cautioned that the new leadership was unelected and faced huge challenges.
“It will not be easy for them to prove the sceptics wrong,” he said.
I can't wait to see this good news on ABCNNBCBS.
Why would it after 6000 years. But it's more or less violent everywhere and always has been, they are just a little more open about it.
Ah, should that not read "NON-AMERCIAN newspapers lead surge of optimism" because we know where the American newspapers stand.
I'm sure it doesn't fit their criteria as being news. Bet there will be all kinds of news along the lines of the US being disapointed, the guy they wanted wasn't selected, plus any negative rumor they ever heard about him. Wasn't he the one with come kind of connections to the CIA?
This could work out great.
I think the media is headed into a trap. Bush is saving this all up for a prime time address with members of the Iraqi interim government.
One word. Tribes. 6000 years. Cradle of civilization ? Ya'll may not believe in biological evolution but it should be apparent to anyone that societal evolution works in some parts, not in others. For example, here, DU. America, Persia.
Foxnews Britt Hume mentioned that on Special Report tonight.
Smart move for the CPA to oppose him and advance someone else. Gives al-Yawer the Iraqi version of street cred.
That's right. Not everyone in Mesopotamia likes the idea of violence. Most probably oppose it. Unfortunately it is taking violence to suppress violence, so it is hard to make ethical judgements. Maybe impossible if you look too close.
I think it's going to be funny when Allawi repeats that thank you to a joint seesion of Congress, Like Karzai did.
You are absolutely correct. The problem I see on the horizon is that it will be impossible for the U.S. or coalition to provide him with security in order to maintain the street cred. We will want him to succeed, but any successes will make him a target for opposing factions. So he has undertaken a very dangerous task.
How about ABCNNBC*(C+P)^BS
bttt
Don't hold your breath!
His mother took him to all areas of Iraq, to the Kurds, he attended a Shiia mosque, a Sunni mosque, and even a Christian church. The guy sounds made in heaven (and perhaps he was considering all the prayers from both Americans and Iraqis).
Good tagline..
Maybe time for me to look for a new one...
Leave it to a UN schmuck to find something negative to add to an optimistic article.
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