PRO-PURGE

Kirkuk purges members of former ruling Baath party (Iraq Press, August 24, 2003)

The new administration of this oil-rich city says it is determined to obliterate the legacy of the former ruling Baath party.

Perhaps it has more reason to do so than any local administration in the country.

For three decades, Kirkuk was subjected to oppressive and occasionally bloody policy of ethnic cleansing.

Tens of thousands of families were uprooted and their land and belongings confiscated.

Diehard supporters of the deposed leader Saddam Hussein filled senior positions and they made sure that only the Baathists were allowed to stay in the city and work in its sprawling oil installations.

Kirkuk is a mosaic of ethnic and religious minorities and many thought it would pose a real problem for the US-led occupation troops to administer.

But Kirkuk is now one of the most peaceful cities in Iraq. It has an elected council and a functioning police force and judicial system.

The Iraqis need to purge like Karen Carpenter. Posted by Orrin Judd at August 24, 2003 6:33 AM