15 November 2002
Iraqis Discuss Transition Plan For Representative Government
(Outline duties of four consultative councils at U.S. Institute of Peace seminar) (1020) By Vicki Silverman Washington File Staff Writer Washington -- Several Iraqi political scientists and business professionals have presented a plan for shaping Iraq's transition to democratic government. Speaking at the United States Institute for Peace November 8, political scientist Laith Kubba outlined a multi-council transitional authority to address the political and practical needs of the nation following political change in Iraq. In parallel with political transformation, Iraqi businessman Rubar Sandi proposed steps aimed at stimulating both economic growth and development in Iraq. Speaking for the "Iraq National Group," a coalition of Iraqi political advocates who believe a stable representative government can be achieved without designating an Iraqi government in exile, Kubba underscored the critical importance of the transitional period in shaping the nation's future. "All serious political players in Iraq and amongst the Iraqis in exile have real vested interest in seeing a successful transition because if they fight over power ... prior to settling the rules on how to get power or share power, then this will lead to a fight and a fight will lead to dictatorship. Dictatorship is the only way to have stability if there is a political breakdown. The groups know that if they do not get their act together and fail in transition, then they have lost for good," Kubba said. It is equally vital for the people of Iraq to support a peaceful transition and avoid the tragic consequences of civil war, he said. Under the Iraq National Group's proposal, four temporary consultative councils would guide transition: a Council of Political Deputies; a Council of Notables; a Council of Presidents and a Security/Military Council. These temporary structures resemble Iraq's governing bodies prior to 1958. The Council of Deputies would be drawn primarily from exile groups, with room for the rapid inclusion of Iraqis from inside the country. The role of the Council of Deputies would be to consider constitutional amendments, set up electoral law and provide a platform for political expression during the transitional phase. Kubba believes that such a council could begin its deliberations now. Downplaying the political rancor that has threatened to disrupt a conference of Iraqi opposition groups in Europe later this month, Kubba said he believes they can unite under one structure. "[The groups] are fighting now over percentages because they think the body will have power. If you say from the beginning that the body will not have power, but rather a meaningful role, then I believe they will come together." Stressing the need to include Iraqis currently in Iraq in the political deliberations, Kubba outlined the second consultative council. "[A Council of Deputies] alone is not sufficient to represent other social forces -- community leaders, ethnic leaders and religious figures. These figures are not political by nature, but forced to politicize themselves in order for their voice to be heard. To address their need, we propose a Council of Dignitaries and Notables, which would also be reflective of Iraq's 18 provinces and perhaps include seats for women should they be insufficiently represented elsewhere," he said. These leaders would have input into the discussions of constitutional change and elections procedures. A three-member Council of Presidents would maintain the administrative function of government during transition "with no other purpose than to deliver the best services to Iraq. Members may be drawn from inside or outside Iraq," Kubba explained. The three chief administrators, one from the south, north and middle-would be persons of integrity, able to work with Iraq's bureaucracy, independent of a political organization. This plan is on the agenda for discussion during the upcoming meeting of Iraqi exiles in Europe, Kubba said. Iraq National Group participants have begun discussing the merits of a fourth council to help maintain and reform the military and integrate para-military groups back into the national fabric. Talib Aziz, founding member of the Iraqi National Congress and participant in the Iraq National Group, said Iraq faces a strong, healthy move towards decentralization. While the consultative councils consider amendments to pass legislative power and resources to Iraq's eighteen provinces, he and other panel members expressed support for a parallel set of measures to strengthen Iraqi unity, particularly investing in Iraq's infrastructure for the benefit of all provinces. Rubar Sandi, an investment banker with extensive experience in East Asia, said that political and economic transformation should take place together. Sandi cautioned a modest approach to economic change during the early transition phase, quoting a Chinese proverb that says, "when you have a rusty nail, you don't pull it out or you bring down the whole structure. You drive a new nail beside it and let the rusty one work itself out." Sandi believes that, after ensuring food and personal security, income generation is the next critical element for Iraq citizens during the transition period. "The new administration needs to create jobs for the masses, and one of the most promising sectors would be in building needed housing, roads, the nation's electrical grid," Sandi said, emphasizing Iraq's ability to use or leverage its oil revenue for infrastructure projects. Believing that "transition needs to show something," Sandi was enthusiastic about projects that would encourage entrepreneurial efforts, particularly micro-credit programs. "Economic growth and development must go hand-in-hand," he said, and wise investments are needed to develop a mobile, educated workforce in order for Iraq to rebuild its shattered middle-class and broaden its economic base. Over the longer term, Sandi hoped policies would be adopted that encourage investment along the Chinese model. The key to peaceful transition in Iraq, according to the group, is to focus the attention of the political players on amending the constitution and setting the rules for competition through the ballot box -- "organizing, holding and endorsing elections, and handing a functioning government to an elected body, in an environment which is secure and where peoples' vital needs are met." The United States Institute of Peace is an independent, nonpartisan federal institution created and funded by Congress to strengthen America's capacity to promote the peaceful resolution of international conflict. Audio coverage of this seminar, "Iraq After Hussein, A Road Map for Transition," and other related events are available at http://www.usip.org/. (The Washington File is a product of the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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