...we may soon see a resignation by U.N. envoy Lakhdar Brahimi (or at least some serious squawking).
In a secret session today, the Iraqi Governing Council unanimously nominated Iyad Allawi (a current Governing Council member) as the Prime Minister for the Transitional Government beginning June 30. This despite Brahimi's expressed belief that no current GC members should hold top offices in the transitional government. According to the NYT, currently
It [is] unclear whether Brahimi, who is charged with putting together a new government, accepted the nomination.
The existing Council has expressed disapproval with the plan to keep them out of key positions in the transitional government. Noting specifically
The whole idea of having the U.N. or any foreign entity to appoint or lead a political process in Iraq is not acceptable.
There's widespread speculation that it's more unacceptable to the existing GC members with high ambitions in a new Iraq than it is to anyone else, but I suppose they do have a point. Having said that, existing council members haven't exactly distinguished themselves as trustworthy leaders.
The fact that Bremer's on board with this nomination, does suggest that the US is not truly behind the UN's plan for the transition, as well. We'll see if Brahimi bolts or rolls over and plays dead.
UPDATE:
The White House said the nomination was only one of many recommendations being made to U.N. envoy Lakhdar Brahimi, who has led the process for drawing up the new government and is expected to announce the final lineup by Monday.The council is “one of many groups that have made some recommendations to Mr. Brahimi,” White House spokesman Scott McClellan said.
Brahimi’s spokesman, Ahmad Fawzi, said that the envoy “welcomes and respects the choice of Mr. Allawi.” He did not say whether Brahimi backed the nomination.
I think it's premature to say that this is the end of Brandini. Just as Iraqis like to flex their independence muscles against the US, same goes for the UN. BTW, Allawi is a good solid choice.
Posted by: Bird Dog | May 28, 2004 at 11:13 AM
Allawi is a good solid choice.
Can you explain a bit more about why?
Posted by: Edward | May 28, 2004 at 11:19 AM
Iraqi democracy in action such as it is. Interesting times.
Posted by: Dave Schuler | May 28, 2004 at 12:04 PM
On Allawi, I read something about him months ago and now I can't find it. Just trust me!
Posted by: Bird Dog | May 28, 2004 at 01:29 PM
Just trust me!
My father taught me when I was 5 years old that anyone compelled to utter that phrase should immediately be viewed suspiciously.
Posted by: Edward | May 28, 2004 at 01:34 PM
Well, that was quick.
Allawi's picked
Must have been triggered by BD's endorsement.
Posted by: sidereal | May 28, 2004 at 02:09 PM
hmmm, guess i underestimated what type of "diplomat" Brahimi is.
Posted by: Edward | May 28, 2004 at 02:21 PM