NATIONAL-After months of debate, verbal attacks, and negotiations, Jalal Talabini was elected the first democratic Iraqi President. The politically experienced Kurd replaced interim president, Ghazi al-Yawir. Talabini won despite the fact that he was not the United States government’s candidate for the position.
President Bush praised the continuation of the democratic process begun just over two years ago, and, according to usinfo.state.gov, declared that “the Iraqi people have shown their commitment to democracy and we, in turn, are committed to Iraq. We look forward to working with this new government and we congratulate all Iraqis on this historic day.”
Shiite and Kurdish political groups presently dominate the political power in Iraq, but have reached out to the Sunni minority that, for the most part, boycotted the elections of the last several months. USA Today reported “Talabani, [who] got a standing ovation from the assembly and said that his priorities are writing Iraq’s constitution, bringing security and unifying the troubled country.”
Ibrahim al-Jaafari, a Shiite leader, has been agreed upon by most Kurdish and Shiite leaders to be the prime minister. Since the elections on January 30th, the Iraqis have been left Iraqis doubting their officials, because of what seemed to be the lack of progress. “All Iraqis are frustrated,” said Ismael Washa’hab, 33, a Sunni auto dealer. “Everyone is asking, where is the new government they talked about. It’s been two months without forming a government.”
According to www.command-post.org, Talabani has taken an unpopular position in regards to U.S. and coalition troop presences. “I think within two years, we can do it, and at the same time, we will remain in full consultation and coordination, cooperation with our American friends.”
Talabani [also] said how long U.S. forces remain in Iraq will depend on a number of factors, including “the common desire of Iraqi people and American people.”
Deputy presidents Adil Abd al-Mahdi, a Shia Arab, and Ghazi Ajil al-Yawer, a Sunni Arab, as well as Talabini, now have two weeks to choose a prime minister. That minister will then have a month to put together council of ministers.
Saddam Hussein, for the first time since 1979, was forced to watch the political process on TV instead of the position of Iraqi “president.” His trial, as well as ethnic representation, a standing military, and Kurdish demands of autonomy, self-sustaining militia forces, and control of the oil-rich city of Kirkuk will dominate the debates for months to come.