Credibility of the Bush Administration's Plan for a Transition to Iraqi Rule Questioned

Interview with James Paul, executive director of the Global Policy Forum, conducted by Scott Harris

While U.S. troops continue to take the offensive against Iraqi insurgents, there's been growing criticism of the tactics employed by the Pentagon in surrounding towns with barbed wire fences, demolition of buildings thought to be used by attackers and detaining relatives of alleged guerrilla fighters. But despite the "get tough" strategy, the number of attacks against U.S.-coalition troops, Iraqis cooperating with the occupation and civilian contractors continues to rise. Recent suicide bombings targeting U.S. military bases illustrate what many observers predict will be an increasingly violent conflict leading up to the selection of an interim Iraqi government next year.

In the face of growing resistance to the occupation, the White House has moved up its plan to transfer a degree of authority to a sovereign Iraqi government. The current blueprint calls for the drafting of a basic law for the country by the end of February 2004 leading to the indirect election of a caretaker government in June by regional caucuses. But, the arrangement approved by the U.S. installed Governing Council has been strongly opposed by some leading Shiite clerics -- representing 60 percent of the Iraqi population -- who are demanding direct elections.

Between The Lines' Scott Harris spoke with James Paul, executive director of the Global Policy Forum, who examines the considerable difficulties facing the U.S. occupation and the credibility of the Bush administration's plan for a transition to Iraqi rule.

Contact the Global Policy Forum by calling (212) 557-3161 or visit the group's website at www.globalpolicy.org

Related links:

The Iraq Crisis, a Global Policy Forum, U.N. Security Council section which looks at many aspects of the crisis, including the 13 years of sanctions and other background of the war, the humanitarian situation, the importance of Iraq's huge oil resources, and disputes over a post-war government and reconstruction plan.

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"Between The Lines" is a half-hour syndicated radio news magazine that each week features a summary of under-reported news stories and interviews with activists and journalists who offer progressive perspectives on international, national and regional political, economic and social issues. Because "Between The Lines" is independent of all publications, media networks or political parties, we are able to bring a diversity of voices to the airwaves generally ignored or marginalized by the major media. For more information on this week's topics and to check out our text archive listing topics and guests presented in previous programs visit: www.btlonline.org
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