US now looking to install a PM in Iraq

The United States wants to transfer power in Iraq to a hand-picked prime minister, abandoning plans for an expansion of the current 25-member governing council, coalition officials in Baghdad say. With less than 100 days before the US occupation authorities are to transfer sovereignty on June 30, fears of wrangling among Iraqi politicians has forced Washington to make its third switch of strategy in six months.

This nation building thing certainly seems to have the U.S. stumped - a new plan every 8 weeks or so doesn’t say much for the process does it? IMO this has little to do with getting an actual functioning democracy off the ground in Iraq and everything to do with getting something the current administration can ‘label’ a democracy at least stumbling around in time to show off to the American voters, who haven’t been paying attention to what is happening, in time for the November elections.

It will be interesting to see just what the Bush administration and reselection campaign spin doctors put on this one - - and, of course, it’s aftermath.

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