posted on February 4, 2003 02:14:32 AM newMr Chalabi, who is a progressive liberal, is far from universally popular among Iraqi exiles. However, successful talks in Tehran, and Iranian assistance in getting him into Iraq, shows he has galvanised considerable support from the Iraqi opposition.
Analysts believe disunity in the Iraqi opposition would make it near impossible to form a transitional government from its ranks, leading to speculation that the US will have to effectively occupy Iraq for a year or longer to maintain order.
Dr al-Jabiri said the US was keen to avoid such a situationp, aware that it would create resentment among the Iraqi people and in the Middle East.
