The hand-over in Iraq

Although we were opposed to the US intervention in Iraq, its occupation and the treatment of the Iraqi people, we would like to think that the handover is the beginning of a healing process, a process that would need the help and support of the world community at large.

The IIG is an un-elected body with its legitimacy to govern under a question-mark. So, it's important for the IIG to not only come out of the tutelage of the US, but also appear to be working on its own volition, and taking its own decisions, in order to establish its credentials to the Iraqis.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

Apart from the pressing issue of security, the most urgent task for the interim government is to hold a series of elections that would eventuate in the complete establishment of democracy in Iraq. The acceptability and the credibility of the IIG would depend on how the Iraqi people perceive, judge and evaluate its performance in this regard.

However, much of the Iraqi success in this regard would depend on how the US chooses to conduct itself in relation to the IIG. The supreme test for the US is to leave the Iraqis in full control of their own affairs, including the control of production and revenue of its oil.

God speed to the Iraqis in their new beginning.