US Seeks Solution to Administrative Crisis in Iraq

While the debate over the administration of post-Saddam Iraq continues to rage, the Kurdistan Democrat Party (KDP), the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the Arabs have jointly appointed a governor in Kirkuk. Commenting on the new development in northern Iraq, U.S. northern forces commander Brig. Gen. James Parker said: "This is not a government. This is a temporary administration. The government will be established later on." Meanwhile, Arabs in Musul (Mosul) and Kerkuk (Kirkuk) reportedly want Turkish troops to be stationed in the region as a "poising factor."

Since U.S. troops did little or nothing to prevent looting in Baghdad, Arab residents began to take matters into their own hands and protected various buildings themselves. In another development, the Iraqi National Congress’ Mohammed Mohsen al-Zubaidi, who announced that he had been selected as president of a temporary council to govern Baghdad, has been rejected by the United States. Ambassador Barbara Bodine, who is coordinating the American civilian administration that will monitor Iraq’s reconstruction, stated, "Washington does not recognize al-Zubaidi," who had announced that the new constitution of Iraq would be in accordance with Shariah law.

aa / Baghdad / IRAQ