Iraqi sovereignty
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Iraqi sovereignty was interrupted by the US-led coalition which overthrew Saddam Hussein in the 2003 Iraq War. After major combat operations ended, US President George W. Bush installed an occupation government and then a council of Iraqis picked and led by US civilian administrator Paul Bremer.
The council created a provisional constitution guaranteeing freedom of religion but also forbidding any law to be created that violates the principles of Islam.
Bush set June 30, 2004 as the deadline for transferring power back to the Iraqis. As the deadline loomed, fighting increased, with various local militias trying to grab power away from the national council and (presumably) prevent Iraq from becoming a sovereign democracy. Washington Times reporter Rowan Scarborough wrote:
- Foreign fighters from Syria have become a major stumbling block to stabilizing Iraq and turning over sovereignty by June 30. [1] (http://www.washtimes.com/national/20040420-115628-7182r.htm)
The transfer of sovereignty actually took place a day or two ahead of schedule, and elections are scheduled for January 2005. Some think that Iraq has little future as an integrated country and will likely degenerate into civil war. [2] (http://hammernews.com/stopbosnia.htm)
Controversy
Supporters of the Bush action, as well democracy supporters in general, tend to agree with US view that Iraq regained its sovereignty -- and that the occupation has thus ended. These advocates regard the insurgents as rebels against the "Iraqi authorities" and condemn them as opponents of democracy.
Opponents of the Bush plan dethrone Saddam largely regard the continued presence of US and other coalition forces in Iraq as constituting an occupation. Accordingly, they describe the insurgents and "resistance" fighters whose main aim is to expel US forces.
See also
External links
Why Iraq could descend into Civil War (http://hammernews.com/stopbosnia.htm)- HAMMERNEWS
- U.S. sees Syria 'facilitating' insurgents (http://www.washtimes.com/national/20040420-115628-7182r.htm)
- Mission and Justice (http://www.missionandjustice.org/modules.php?name=News&new_topic=8) Aggregated News relating to the war and aftermath in Iraq.