posted on June 4, 2004 10:56:53 AM new
Imagine that, Iraq's new PM wants US troops to stay after June 30th.
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Allawi: Coalition Troops Would Guarantee Sovereignty
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- In his first nationally televised address, Iraq's new prime minister on Friday defended the presence of U.S. troops even after the June 30 handover of sovereignty.
Iyad Allawi, appointed last week to head the interim government that will take power form the U.S.-led coalition, told Iraqis that the coalitions forces' withdrawal would be a "major disaster." He said keeping foreign troops there will guarantee sovereignty.
He said Iraq's newly appointed president, Ghazi al-Yawer, will meet with world leaders at the upcoming G8 summit in the United States next week.
Allawi also said national unity will be key, adding that former Baath Party members who had been ostracized by the coalition "can live with dignity" if they haven't committed any crimes.
The prime minister said the new government will also start regulating foreigners coming into the country. Iraqis had complained that too many foreign terrorists and criminals flowed into the country after Saddam Hussein's fall last year.
U.N. Team Picks Iraqi Electoral Commission
A U.N. team on Friday took the first major step toward Iraqi elections.
An eight-member independent electoral commission has been set up, which the U.N. election chief called "well-balanced" despite security problems that have made it impossible to screen applicants in some parts of the country.
Iraq still has no laws governing who can vote or run for office, no polling stations or even poll workers.
So the commission will be tasked with registering voters, setting up polling places and educating Iraqis about elections themselves.
U.N. Iraq Report Praises, Blasts U.S.
A U.N. report on human rights contains both good and bad comments about the war in Iraq.
It credits the U.S.-led coalition with bringing to an end the "shocking, systematic and criminal" human rights violations committed in Iraq during Saddam's rule.
However, the report expressed concern over prisoner abuse by coalition forces.
The report promises that all governments involved have pledged to bring those responsible for the abuse to justice. The report said it's imperative that it's done with "accountability to the international community."
The document called on Iraq's interim government to ensure that the people of Iraq don't face any more abuses in the future and to put in place "preventive and protection systems."
"The Secret Service has announced it is doubling its protection for John Kerry. You can understand why — with two positions on every issue, he has twice as many people mad at him." —Jay Leno
posted on June 4, 2004 11:28:27 AM new
We're getting there....slow but sure.
I've sure got my fingers crossed that once June 30th comes about more countries will step in to help the Iraqi people in many ways. Maybe then - when it's not a U.S. occupation - more will be willing to help...even if not with troops....but hopefully, in everyway possible.
They're going to need lots of help to set up and support a system of elections. But again...I'm hopeful.
This could bring about some terrific changes in the ME. A new direction....freedom.
posted on June 4, 2004 11:36:13 AM new
Linda - realistically - what changes do you think Iraq is going to inspire in the Middle East. What are the things that you think need to be changed?
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If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
posted on June 4, 2004 12:02:42 PM new
This change at the end of June will only be ceremonial. The U.S. will occupy Iraq for many years.
especially if Bush is not defeated in November
Re-defeat Bush
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In the words from Cher:
We’re gonna love one another ’til morning comes
Sweet salvation for what we’ve done
Give up resisting one by one one by one
posted on June 4, 2004 01:03:31 PM new
logansdad - I think you're forgetting that kerry IS NOT calling for troops withdrawl. And I have already stated that most of what kerry has proposed doing is exactly what Bush proposed and has been taking action on since the beginning of this year. It won't be any different under a kerry administration.....congress is in agreement we will be staying in Iraq...until we are asked to leave, OR until it's more peaceful and their new government has a chance to survive.
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fenix - A system of government where the people vote for their own government....where the people are free....is a HUGE change already from what currently exists in the ME. I truly believe it once more ME people see how happy and well the FREE Iraqi's are....they to will lust for freedom. Change will be slow....but there's already a large group in Iran who wish to be out from under their current form of government.
It will take time and patience. But it will happen. It's a great beginning....and the Iraqi's are happy about it.
