The June 30, 2004 Handover Date
The June 30, 2004 handover date is fast approaching when the coalition forces turn over control of Iraq to the Iraqi Interim Government. The security situation appears to be worsening what with car bombings and assassination attempts. The Iraqi police are only at half strength from where they ideally should be and the Iraqi Security Forces are well below what is anticipated of being needed. The question has become - should the transfer date be postponed?
The answer to that question is a simple no. The June 30 turnover date is more than a benchmark on a calendar. It also symbolizes the start of true Iraqi self-government. Iraqis may not be up to the task of self-government on the 30th, but they need to take over the reigns and begin to 'learn' what self-governance is all about. They will make mistakes, but that is to be expected. To delay the turnover would send the wrong signal to both Iraqis and the Middle East as a whole. It would be reneging on a promise and would appear to be an attempt at holding on to Iraq for the sake of its natural resources.
The June 30th turnover date should be honored. Delaying would accomplish nothing in both the short or long term given that full implemented Iraqi Police and Security Forces will take another year or two. The sooner Iraqis are providing security within Iraq, the sooner its citizens will have a stake in the success of the Iraqi Interim Government and the sooner they can look forward to national elections were individual Iraqis can vote for and select they own members of government.
6/26/04 ( 233 )
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