Constitution approved
The week's news at a glance.
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.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
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.
-
July 5 editorial cartoons
Cartoons Saturday’s political cartoons include an extrajudicial detainment camp, 'alligator Alcatraz', and tax cuts for billionaires.
-
5 explosively funny cartoons about the 4th of July
Cartoons Artists take on liberty and justice for all, a terrifying firework, and more
-
Jeff in Venice: a "triumph of tackiness"?
In the Spotlight Locals protest as Bezos uses the city as a 'private amusement park' for his wedding celebrations