Posted on 06/10/2004 8:16:21 PM PDT by Graybeard58
raq has nearly three weeks to go before sovereignty, but its new prime minister is already acting like a sovereign. Since his appointment June 1, Iyad Allawi has defused two explosive issues: the status of US-led forces in Iraq, and the rights of Iraq's Kurdish minority.
Mr. Allawi ably handled the forces question through a letter to the UN Security Council that overcame French concerns about Iraqi-US military coordination. That helped pave the way for Tuesday's unanimous approval of a UN resolution on Iraqi sovereignty.
He then dealt deftly with the Kurds by assuring them that his government would recognize their rights as laid out in an interim constitution approved by the previous government.
Iraqi Shiites, who represent the majority suppressed under Saddam Hussein, had denounced that constitution, arguing that it granted the Kurds too much veto power over a future, permanent constitution. In response, the Kurds threatened to boycott participation in Allawi's new government, and even to secede. Wisely, Shiite leaders were consulted before Allawi backed the interim constitution.
Nothing threatens Iraq's future more than its potential breakup or civil war. By backing the interim constitution, Allawi has avoided that danger - for now.
My boy is a FReeper too. Send him a FReepmail wishing him well. Screen name: smaagee
God Bless and keep him. Frmail on the way.
Was Iyad Allawi scratched on the heel by a black cat?
Ping! Ask yer old man what it means, and God bless you for serving.
good!
It looks like both their new Prime Minister and their new President are both very skillful, intelligent men. As a matter of fact, from the interviews of seen of several of the cabinet members and the Kurdish VP, I think that Iraq is in excellent hands. They have far exceeded my hopes and expectations.
Like Churchill before him Allawi may well say that, "the heaviest cross I bear is the cross of Loraine". F the frogs in the mud! No forgiveness ever!!!!!!
Wish there was a way we could send him fan mail - like we do the troops. Allawi has a great burden - the future of true Islam depends on him.
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