Iraq’s new interim government was rushed into office two days early as a tired Paul Bremer fled like a thief in the night.
Dogs sniffed for explosives, mobile phones were impounded and U.S. officials bombarded reporters with contradictory orders and scant information just moments before Iraq formally regained sovereign powers.
Journalists had been hastily summoned for what was billed as U.S. administrator Paul Bremer’s last news conference before a handover not due until Wednesday, but the confusion and tight security suggested that something extraordinary was afoot.
And while the NYT is quoting extremely angry and disappointed Iraqis, as well, American commanders who say this “war cannot be won militarily,” George is practicing his new role as puppeteer:
Bush, who faces a tough re-election battle this year amid growing discontent over U.S. involvement in Iraq, said the formal handover in Baghdad was “a day of great hope for Iraqis and a day that terrorist enemies hoped never to see.”
Asked if Prime Minister Iyad Allawi’s government, which took power two days earlier than expected, might impose martial law, Bush said “He (Allawi) may take tough security measures against Zarqawi — he may have to.”
“He will not cower in the face of brutal murder and neither will we,” said Bush.
I don’t know what’s more ridiculous. The notion that Iraq is now free or that George will carry out his new duties effectively.
Will Paul Wolfowitz claim that Bremer’s fleeing is only a rumour? Certainly an authourity that’s been busy siphoning billions from the coffers of the occupied could have afforded a decent embassy bash; a public reception so all of Paul’s well wishers could have thanked him properly for a job well done.
Earth to Aaron Brown: CNN doesn’t push rumours? It would take more time than I have today to find the complete list.
On another note. I’ve been wondering how George & Co., most especially their warmongering cheerleaders in the press, would spin the disastrous Iraq occupation and its tragic consequences.
More than a few journalists and commentators are now waxing whimsically that perhaps history will set George free. Not soon, mind you, but sometime in the far distant future, when we’d likely be too senile or otherwise incapacitated, for instance by death, to care if they’re right.
What a chilling observation. It would take the death of a generation and a total mind fuck of all they spawn to achieve it.
If there’s a civilisation left to ponder it, that is.
(The use of “fuck” has been endorsed by Dick Cheney.)