Baghdad
U.S. officials have approved an interim constitution for Iraq, drafted by the Iraqi Governing Council. The document ensures the rights of women, a strong but limited political role for Islam, and autonomy for the Kurdish region in the north. It also guarantees free speech and freedom of religion. “This is a great day in the history of Iraq, an unforgettable day,” said Adnan Pachachi, 80, a former diplomat who served under the Iraqi monarchy. The constitution is a first step toward the restoration of Iraqi sovereignty. But the council hasn’t yet worked out certain key issues, such as how to disarm the many private militias that roam the country or how to arrange elections for a new government.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
The Pentagon faces an uncertain future with TrumpTalking Point The president-elect has nominated conservative commentator Pete Hegseth to lead the Defense Department
-
This is what you should know about State Department travel advisories and warningsIn Depth Stay safe on your international adventures
-
'All Tyson-Paul promised was spectacle and, in the end, that's all we got'Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
