Bush Administration Prepares for UN Campaign Amid Iraqi Leadership Strife

Strategic Insights -

As President Bush prepares to outline a plan of action for Iraq at the United Nations, senior envoys struggle to balance competing demands from Shiites, Sunnis, and Kurds for top positions in the new caretaker government, set to take power on June 30. Secretary of State Colin Powell engages in telephone conversations with UN Security Council envoys, who are expected to receive an American draft of a resolution by Monday. The resolution aims to involve the UN more deeply in Iraq and define limitations on the country's sovereignty after the transfer of power.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Bush administration is preparing for a campaign to rally support at the UN for President Bush's policies in Iraq, amidst sagging poll results for the president at home.
  • Senior envoys are struggling to balance competing demands from Shiites, Sunnis, and Kurds for top positions in the new caretaker government, set to take power on June 30.
  • Secretary of State Colin Powell is engaged in telephone conversations with UN Security Council envoys, who are expected to receive an American draft of a resolution by Monday.
  • The UN resolution is expected to call for international donations and troops, and define limitations on Iraq's sovereignty after the transfer of power.
  • The situation in Iraq has been complicated by recent security developments, including the installation of former Saddam Hussein-era military commanders in Falluja.
  • Lakhdar Brahimi, the special UN envoy, is overseeing the process of selecting government leaders and has set a deadline for the end of May.
  • Brahimi and Robert D. Blackwill, a former US ambassador to India, are struggling over demands for a Kurd to be either the president or the prime minister.
  • Shiites are fighting for control of the new Iraqi government, which is to stay in power until elections next year.
  • Administration and Iraqi officials have identified eight positions that Iraqi factions are jockeying for, including the prime minister, president, vice presidents, and four ministries.

Statistics:

  • The new caretaker government is set to take power on June 30.
  • There are 400 political parties that have identified themselves since Saddam Hussein's overthrow.
  • Lakhdar Brahimi and Robert D. Blackwill have set a deadline for the end of May.
  • The resolution is expected to define limitations on Iraq's sovereignty after the transfer of power.

Sources:

  • (William Safire, "Kurd Leadership Win for Bush", The New York Times, March 2004)
  • (Edward Wong and John Kifner, "U.S. and U.N. Leaders to Focus on Future Government of Iraq", The New York Times, May 20, 2004)
  • (James Bennett, "Bush Plans to Explain Iraq Strategy", The New York Times, May 24, 2004)