US Policy Sets Back Arab Human Rights
The war in Iraq, and America's response to 9/11, have undermined human rights activists throughout the Middle East.
The war in Iraq, and America's response to 9/11, have undermined human rights activists throughout the Middle East.
After the destruction a historic opportunity beckons, but US plans to rebuild a post-Saddam Iraq are unclear.
Iraqi Shia reject the religious decree calling on Iraqis to defend the country, insisting that it has been issued under coercion from the regime.
Kurdish sources in Northern Iraq report increasing defections from the Iraqi military.
While Turkey fails to take up the key role it could play in the region's future, the West fails to understand its historic sensitivities.
US pressure on Iraq's neighbour has strengthened hardliners and set-back the nascent movement for political opening.
Long-standing efforts to bring the Iraqi leadership to justice have failed, leaving the strategy for dealing with any deposed rulers unclear.
Although fighting continues, Saddam Hussein may fall from power without invoking his long-standing threat of a final disaster.
The real work of building a new Iraq begins today, and their strong sense of patriotism may be the force that helps Iraqis overcome their tragic recent past.
The US is likely to insist on Iraqi courts under its authority, or US-based trials, but an international court remains the best option.