Behind the mask of Iraqi sovereignty

By Ian Holshire
May 26, 2004
BOSTON (CC) -- The much awaited 'transfer of power' promised by U.S. president Bush and British prime minister Tony Blair has been a last attempt at convincing the world that U.S. and coalition forces have been successful in the Iraq campaign. International skeptics see it as a last ditch attempt at turning the United States into the 'good guys', following scandals relating to abuse by American forces in Iraqi prisons.

Many events have marked the victorious end of the war in Iraq; President George W Bush slicked up with his flight-suit landing on the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln, under the 'mission accomplished' banner; the preparation of the U.S.-brokered and British supported Iraqi constitution and the capture of Saddam Hussein.

With Iraqi sovereignty coming up on June 30th, 2004., many speculate a historical movement in Iraq's 50-year history. Time is not on our side this time, as the Iraqi people grow more apprehensive. We will soon find out, whether or not Bush and the coalition keep their word. A handover of civil power to Iraq will supposedly move it one step closer towards becoming a "democratic, free state" - which is the United States' intent. But, in this sovereignty, just how much freedom and power will the new Iraq get? The answer is debatable.

Of course, there are countries like France, Russia, and sitting on the sidelines, Germany. At first, they were against the US-led invasion in the first place. How greatly does this affect their opinion on the transfer of power in Iraq? One could say a lot, another could say a little. The truth of the matter is, their opinions on the topic remain virtually the same. They doubt the United States just like when the US entered Iraq, determined to find Weapons of Mass Destruction - which they never did find.

Will the US commit a full transfer of power? Or will time tell a different story by passing small amounts of sovereignty at a time, effectively creating a consealing illusion-- hiding the true progress of oil in the land.

What will the consequences of this turnover of power be? Well, according to President George Bush, there are "difficult days ahead." Whether this means more roadside bombs, attacks on convoys, or just protesting, it is impossible to tell. But, will everyone in Iraq be happy with this transfer? Most would assume so, as it is that much closer to having the coalition soldiers leave their homeland; though, again, if the Iraqis do not get full power of their country soon, one can conclude they would become angry. Would you let a foreign army occupy your nation, even if they say they were there to help?

Even some Americans are skeptical. They may be thinking, "our President has gone to war in Iraq based on false information, so why would this be any different?" In fact, it may not be. There could always be another month of occupation, or there could be another year.

Until the violence calms down, vows Bush, the coalition forces won't be leaving Iraq. You can tell, though, that the American, British, and other coalition troops hope for the quick, safe transition of power to Iraqis -- allowing them a safe return to their families at home. After all, they are occupying an ever increasingly instable country both in terms of combat and economics.

The promised handover of sovereignty is surrounded by question marks by American citizens, the International community and the United Nations -- though a resolution has been passed by the UN for Iraqi sovereignty. Many questions revolve around exactly how much power is going to be given to the Iraqis. Hopefully a lot, as it is their country which the coalition forces are in. How long will it take? Again, the sooner the better, although it has to be safe. Leaving too early could pose increased security threats, resulting in some violence.

Overall, we must realize that Iraq belongs to the Iraqi people. It isn't ours. Each day we spend in their country makes them evermore anxious for their own sovereignty, the end of violence and a restoration of their economy which has been in shambles since the war started. Like us, they want to be free.


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