A magic wand in Baghdad?
UNITED NATIONS Ñ The UN Security Council unanimously passed a resolution setting the stage to restore Iraqi sovereignty. So just over a year after the liberation of Baghdad from SaddamÕs ruthless regime, the U.S. is turning the keys of power back to the Iraqis. As if with a magic wand, the UN vote has given international blessing and legitimacy to the transition. ThatÕs the first important step.
Though the resolution charts a formal roadmap leading to elections and a new Iraqi constitution, the men of violence are not about to surrender soon. ThatÕs why the U.S.- led multinational forces must stay in Iraq in the medium-term to ensure security for the transition. Still it appears that the Iraqi terrorists have enough fight to keep the pot boiling and the political process in chaos.
The Bush Administration thus faces a political imbroglio both on the banks of the Euphrates in Baghdad and the banks of the Potomac in Washington D.C.. Expectations of both the Iraqis and many Americans somehow seem on fast forward Ñ both groups seeking a quick fix, but hostage to events media myths.
Presumptive Democratic Presidential nominee Senator John Kerry piously bellows that Iraq needs more international cooperation from out allies. I totally agree. And we have largely achieved the first part of that assistance with France, Germany, PeopleÕs China and Russia among others backing the American/British Security Council resolution. The French, Germans and Russians signed on to our sovereignty handover process.
In the meantime, the American-led multinational forces of Britain, Italy, Japan and Poland among others must pursue a hearts and minds campaign among the Iraqis.
However do many people really feel that if letÕs say French President Jacques Chirac descended upon Baghdad on a cloud and tells the Iraqis with his characteristic savior faire; ÒYou are Sovereign, You are Free, now LetÕs do an Oil Deal!Ó that this would suddenly defuse the insurgency? Of course not!
Kerry and many critics of the Iraq policy miss a central point Ñ some Iraqis donÕt want democracy. Sovereignty to them means Saddam or a similar ilk back in power. The idea that the UN or anybody else now brings the legitimacy and blessings of international law to Baghdad is irrelevant as it challenges the core of power relations. Armed opposition to the U.S.-led multinational coalition comes from foreign Jihadi fighters, pro-Saddam loyalists, and a fairly large number of anti-Saddam nationalistic Iraqis who are nonetheless opposed to a foreign occupation. Then thereÕs the Islamic equation.
Respect for the UN is equally questionable. As this column has said many times the Iraqis admired the UN so much that terrorists bombed its Baghdad headquarters twice-causing severe losses and killing some of their greatest humanitarian helpers such as BrazilÕs Sergio De Melo. Does that action translate into respect for the international community?
Interestingly the UN is not exactly jumping at the opportunity to return to Baghdad with a large, and likely vulnerable, staff.
UN/Iraq Envoy Lakdar Brahimi told correspondents that ÒThe Americans came to the UN as a way to ending the occupation. The UN cannot say no to helping Iraq regain sovereignty and helping Iraq out of occupation.Ó The Security Council resolution endorsed the formation of an interim government which takes the reigns of power on June 30th and puts the country on the path to elections and full democracy.
The next six months will be vital as the nervous countdown to both the American and Iraqi elections proceeds with the full knowledge that even seemingly small and localized attacks in Iraq will have their impact magnified by the media on both the banks of the Euphrates and of the Potomac. This evokes South Vietnam, say circ 1966. Despite a plethora of genuine and positive success stories throughout Iraq Ñ rebuilding schools, roads, and the rule of law Ñ the crisis de jour will focus on a car bombing or a sabotaged pipeline. A magic wand wonÕt make the bad things go away Ñ that will take time, treasure and perseverance. Above all it will a take a willingness by the Iraqis to help themselves.
John J. Metzler is a U.N. correspondent covering diplomatic and defense
issues. He writes weekly for World Tribune.com.  |
