June 28, 2004
GOOD LUCK AND GOD SPEED
Handover Completed Early to Thwart Attacks, Officials Say (Christine Hauser, New York Times, 6/28/04)
The United States-led occupation authority handed over sovereignty to an interim Iraqi government today in a low-key ceremony two days ahead of the June 30 it was scheduled to do so, a surprise move apparently timed to pre-empt any planned attacks by insurgents.It's too bad, of course, that the terrorists have stolen the chance for a well-earned celebration from the provisional government and the Coalition Authority. The Iraqis now have a chance given to few peoples and nations. Let's hope they make the most of it. Posted by David Cohen at June 28, 2004 7:49 AMThe transfer of power took place in the green zone, a heavily fortified compound where the American occupation authority has had its headquarters since American-led forces overthrew Saddam Hussein more than a year ago.
One imagines al-Zarqawi chewing on a rug between shrieks of fury.
Posted by: oj at June 28, 2004 8:30 AMIt must have been low key since everyone else is still talking about 6/30. It would have been nice for Bush to visit and get some credit but a peaceful and improving Iraq are more important.
Posted by: AWW at June 28, 2004 2:18 PMAnd the news is playing this as bad news - "the US, which couldn't control the violence, snuck out early..."
Posted by: AWW at June 28, 2004 7:33 PMWhy doesn't some US newspaper/magazine give Iraqis like this a platform in this country:
http://messopotamian.blogspot.com
?
Heck, why doesn't the RNC invite him to New York for the convention?
Posted by: brian at June 28, 2004 9:46 PMThe point of the early turn over was to stick it to the media. They know it and they are pissed, actually, PISSED.
Posted by: Uncle Bill at June 29, 2004 12:43 PM