No respite likely for US Iraq forces even after power transfer

REUTERS , LONDON
Monday, May 24, 2004,Page 9

Iraq's deadly complexities will bedevil US-led forces in the country they have so far failed to pacify, whatever interim government takes over after June 30.

General John Abizaid, head of US Central Command, said on Wednesday the post-handover period could become even more violent, perhaps requiring the deployment of more US troops.

Analysts said the new government, whose composition and powers are still uncertain, will struggle for legitimacy, even if it gleans the formal blessing of the United Nations.

Buffeted by Iraqi insurgency and shamed by the Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse scandal, Washington's aim to turn postwar Iraq into a pro-American democratic model for the region looks beyond reach. Militants will relentlessly challenge any bid to portray the June 30 transfer as a real end to US occupation.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/edit/archives/2004/05/24/2003156785

Launching a neocon hand-picked Iraqi 'government' is hardly a transfer of power. The 'new government' will be a bunch of Bush* and Rummy puppets.