Iraqis give questionable government a chance

a conversation with Abbas Mehdi

BI: What do you think of the people who make up the new Iraqi government?

Mehdi: As individuals, they are good people, but some of their backgrounds are suspect. They previously supported or were committed to different states or organizations; therefore, their loyalty to Iraq is questionable.

BI: During the mere seven months between now and the planned elections, will this government be able to meet the most pressing demands of the Iraqi people?

Mehdi: Let's put it this way: this government is inherently weak for many reasons. Most of its members came from the Governing Council or were supported by it, and we all know the Governing Council failed. None of these individuals has national credibility or recognition. The presence of upwards of 140,000 United States soldiers and the fact that the interim government is protected by them calls into question not only the government's credibility but also its effectiveness.

Having said that, the Iraqi people are very tired and looking for any person or government to save them from the terrible situation they are in now. So the Iraqi people will give this government a chance. If this government is able to make some progress on the most important issues facing the Iraqi people--security, basic services, jobs/economy, and elections--then we have a good chance to move forward with stability. Otherwise, we will continue with chaos and destruction. Iraq now is at a critical juncture in its history. Time will tell; in the next three to four months, we will find out what this government can do.

BI: What will be this government's greatest challenge?

Mehdi: Security. They [insurgents] are challenging them [the government] in the street. Yesterday [July 7th] they attacked the home of the prime minister. Today there was a firefight in Samarra. Four US soldiers and seven Iraqis were killed. There is still a lot of bad news.

BI: Do you think this government will be able to bring the security situation under control?

Mehdi: Nobody knows. They are trying and trying hard, and they are hoping.

BI: What's your view on the upcoming elections?

Mehdi: The situation in Iraq now is not ripe for elections; the immediate needs are security and basic services. The main institutions are lacking, and the social structure is not ready for elections. There is a large segment of Iraqi society missing--the middle class. You have religious leaders and tribal leaders, but what is missing is the middle class of educated and skilled people who could build a modern society.

BI: Iraq now has ministries for human rights and women's rights. Will this make a difference, or can we expect more of the abuses we have seen in the past?

Mehdi: I think it's going to get gradually, slowly better. Women in Iraqi society are getting more aggressive, but it will take a long time [for women to enjoy their full rights] because it has to do with the culture, structure of the family, and structure of society.

BI: How would you define success for this interim government?

Mehdi: Progress on security--as a capital city, Baghdad must function. Now it's not functioning as a normal city. There are firefights in the street. The government can declare success when people feel safe to leave their homes, their children go to school, and there are water, electricity, and jobs. These are the immediate needs. Of course, there are big issues: how to rebuild the country, what comprehensive strategy should be used to build the whole nation. It is going to be tough.

BI: How do the different groups in Iraq feel about the new government?

Mehdi: Most would like to give a chance to this government--not because they love this government but because of the security and services issue. If stability and security come, these groups will act in a different way. They would like to have a true democracy that involves more people. Now there is no democracy; the government is just selected individuals.

-Published 8/7/2004