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Iraq's Interim Government: A New Chapter or More of the Same?

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The United Nations is facing challenges in putting together Iraq's new interim government, as the outgoing Iraqi Governing Council, an American-appointed body, made key appointments without U.N. input. The council's selection of a prime minister and president, despite opposition from the U.N. envoy, raises concerns about the council's ability to govern effectively and the U.N.'s role in the transition. The interim government must now work to establish credibility and sovereignty, including involving key members in the drafting of the U.N. Security Council resolution that will define Iraq's coming sovereignty.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Iraqi Governing Council, an American-appointed body, made key appointments for the new interim government, including prime minister Iyad Allawi and president Sheik Ghazi al-Yawar.
  • The council's selection of these officials was opposed by the U.N. envoy, Lakhdar Brahimi, who had favored other candidates.
  • The interim government's composition is intended to reflect Iraq's ethnic and religious divisions, with Shiite, Sunni, and Kurdish minorities represented in key positions.
  • The council's role in appointing officials and controlling the government raises concerns about its ability to govern effectively and the U.N.'s role in the transition.
  • The new government must work to establish credibility and sovereignty, including involving key members in the drafting of the U.N. Security Council resolution that will define Iraq's coming sovereignty.
  • The selection of Iyad Allawi as prime minister was made despite opposition from the U.N. envoy, Lakhdar Brahimi.
  • The interim government's cabinet includes 33 members, including 7 members of the Governing Council.
  • Sheik Ghazi al-Yawar, a Sunni, was named president, a ceremonial position.
  • The ability of the Governing Council to control key appointments is a concern for the U.N.'s role in the transition.

Statistics:

  • 3: The number of deputy presidents in the new government.
  • 7: The number of Governing Council members in the new cabinet.
  • 33: The total number of cabinet members in the new government.
  • 2: The number of "cabinet ministers" who come from the Governing Council.
  • 1: The American proconsul, Paul Bremer III, who is the U.S. ambassador to Iraq.

Sources:

  • "Iraq's Interim Government: A New Chapter or More of the Same?" The New York Times
  • "The U.N. and Iraq" The New York Times
  • "Lakhdar Brahimi, U.N. Envoy to Iraq" The New York Times
  • "Paul Bremer III, American Proconsul in Iraq" The New York Times
  • "Iraq's Governing Council" The New York Times

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