Friday, May 28, 2004

Who's Bush trying to kid?

Bush has been on the telephone telling members of the Security Council, including the Russians, that "full sovereignty" will be transferred to Iraq on June 30. Putting aside the question of the immutability of laws previously imposed on Iraq by Bremer, which I've referred to in previous posts, the Security Council resolution proposed by the US/UK is specific on the point. It reaffirms the structure of the "multinational force" (led by the United States) and then provides that the Security Council

"6. ... decides that the multinational force shall have authority to take all necessary measures to contribute to the maintenance of security and stability in Iraq including by preventing and deterring terrorism..."

No mention whatsoever of the involvement (certainly not of a "veto power") of the Iraqis in taking these "necessary measures." How would we like to have a international force stationed in the US (say, with bases outside of New York, Washington, Los Angeles) with such powers? Would the neo-cons, much less the macho George Bush, call this "full sovereignty"?

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