Iraq
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The PMOS told journalists that we condemned the latest attacks in Iraq today. Unfortunately, it seemed that they fitted into the predicted pattern of events in the run-up to 30 June. However, as both the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary had noted at Cabinet this morning, what we had seen in Iraq in recent days was the increasing profile of the new interim administration and, in particular, the role of Prime Minister Alawi. The attacks, therefore, were clearly no longer aimed solely at the Coalition but also at the Government of Iraq as it assumed authority. They were obviously designed to try to stop the transition of sovereignty next week. However, they would not succeed.
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Downing Street Says.
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"They were obviously designed to try to stop the transition of sovereignty next week." – rubbish!
They are obviously not designed to try to stop the transition of sovereignty. The attacks are a result of the desire for a real transfer of sovereignty next week, not just a movement from direct US rule to puppet US rule.
I’m not saying that the attacks are in any way justified but I think that, to remove support from the bombers, the new Iraqi authority needs to quickly demonstrate its autonomy from the US/UK forces. The US/UK forces also need to withdraw from public contact as much as possible to allow the fledgeling Iraqi authorities to begin to take over.
The current and historical problems in Iraq will mean that their future will not be smooth or even, unfortunately, very peaceful but the continuing interference of the US/UK will only make it worse.
Comment by Uncarved Block — 24 Jun 2004 on 5:00 pm | Link