Q & A: What's next for Iraq

By Robert H. Reid
The Associated Press

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A: Officially, the Iraqi interim government takes office July 1 when sovereignty transfers from the U.S.-run Coalition Provisional Authority. Starting today, however, the new government will run the ministries, make day-to-day decisions and craft policy. Ultimate authority stays with the coalition until the end of the month.

Q: How long will the new government remain in office?

A: The interim government will run the country for seven months until a new transitional government is chosen by democratic elections to be held by Jan. 31. A new, permanent constitution is to be ratified by October 2005, with the first constitutionally based elections by December of next year.

Q: Will the new interim government have a legislative component?

A: Not exactly. However, a National Conference of tribal leaders, politicians, professionals, women's groups and others will be convened, probably in July. The conference will choose an Interim National Council that will advise and oversee the government.

Q: Will the 138,000 American troops serving in Iraq go home immediately after the transfer of power?

A: No. However, their legal status will change. Rather than occupation forces, the troops will support the Iraqi police, civil defense and army, which have primary security responsibility. How that will work in practical terms will depend on the final version of a U.N. resolution under debate at the Security Council. It will also depend on terms of an agreement that the interim government will negotiate soon with the Americans and their partners.

Q: Who will control Iraqi security forces?

A: The Iraqi interim government will maintain control and will have the final say on whether they are used in joint military operations against insurgents.

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