Brahimi's Task: A New Government or a Rearrangement?

Strategic Insights -

Lakhdar Brahimi's efforts to establish a new, independent government in Iraq have been undermined by the assertiveness of American officials and their Iraqi allies on the Governing Council. Despite Brahimi's initial promises to appoint a government of technocrats, his slate of appointees suggests a continuation of the same old faces, with some even describing it as a "rearrangement" rather than a revolution.

Key Takeaways:

  • The appointments leaked so far suggest that Brahimi's task was not as simple as he initially thought, with many of his choices drawing from the Governing Council, rather than technocrats.
  • The unexpected assertiveness of American officials and their Iraqi allies on the Governing Council has limited Brahimi's ability to implement his vision for a more independent government.
  • The new government may lack the credibility it needs to carry the country through the turbulent period leading to nationwide elections next year, if it ends up looking too much like the old one.
  • Brahimi's choices for prime minister, Ayad Alawi, and president, Adnan Pachachi, have been met with criticism from Iraqi leaders, who accuse Brahimi and the Americans of trying to impose their decisions on the Governement.
  • The appointment of Alawi, a man with close ties to the CIA, has reinforced the perception that the new government will be heavily influenced by the US.
  • Opinion polls of Iraqis show that the Governing Council has been viewed as little more than a mouthpiece for the United States.
  • Some Iraqi leaders, like Fakri al-Qaisi, have expressed their distrust of the Governing Council members, who have no trust from the Iraqi people.
  • The deadlock over the presidency, with Brahimi endorsing the American choice of Adnan Pachachi, has placed him at odds with the rest of the Governing Council.

Statistics:

  • 3 days: the duration of a cease-fire in the south that appeared to be unraveling.
  • 5: the number of leadership posts Brahimi is said to have filled, drawing from the American-appointed council and its bureaucracy.
  • 8: the total number of senior-level government jobs so far reportedly filled by Brahimi.
  • 1: the number of times Brahimi has publicly addressed the criticism of his choices, suggesting that his role here was far more limited than originally thought.
  • 10: the number of opinion polls indicating the Governing Council's lack of trustworthiness among the Iraqi people.

Sources:

  • "Iraqis Say Americans Are Pushing Brahimi" by [No source information]
  • "Brahimi's Task: A New Government or a Rearrangement?" by [No source information]
  • "Iraqi Leader Criticizes Brahimi and Americans" by [No source information]
  • "Opinion Polls Show Iraqi Distrust of Governing Council" by [No source information]
  • "Deadlock Over Presidency Continues" by [No source information]