"Healing Iraq" Blog
Alternatives to the Governing Council?
Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later. I read today in the local papers, that an American National Security official has arrived in Baghdad to discuss the future of the GC with Ambassador Bremer and to meet representatives from the Council.
Funny thing is he might not find any of them. Iraqis have been joking among themselves lately about GC members, and how only a handful of them are actually in Iraq, while the rest are back in their London apartments or too busy following their own personal agendas and making deals with huge corporations on the expense of Iraqis. Yes, we hear many rumours about such 'under the table' transactions by some GC members, pressuring cabinet ministers to pass these deals especially on Electric power and water projects. I say the shit has hit the fan, this is becoming serious and not so much different from the 'Oil for Palaces' programs. And people ask why Iraqis distrust the council, well thats why.
I was very enthusiastic when the GC was first announced four months ago, yes I understand they were picked not elected, but the council was supposed to be open for expanding its members anyway. Other people were so and so. Most were indifferent (as usual). The cons were the sectarian basis on choosing members, not enough authority, most of the members were expatriates and had not suffered under from Saddam's regime, low women representation on the council, and the fact that members did not have a wide following inside Iraq. The pros were that members were all educated and carried higher degrees (unlike our previous 'leaders'), were from well known families in Iraq, and the political parties which they represented were all involved in a long history of opposition to Saddam's rule. MORE AT healingiraq.blogspot.com |
