Iraq's Transition to Self-Government

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“A strong and able Iraq that is based on solid bases of equality, justice, and respect for human rights… is the country that will help stabilize the region and preserve the safety and security of its peoples….”
—Iraqi Interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi

“America’s task in Iraq is not only to defeat an enemy; it is to give strength to a friend--a free, representative government that serves its people and fights on their behalf.”
—President George W. Bush

On June 28, 2004, full sovereignty was transferred to a new Iraqi interim government. The Coalition Provisional Authority, led by Ambassador Paul Bremer, ceased to exist. The Iraqi Government is now running the day-today operations of its country.

The Iraqi Government will: 

• Work to increase security;
• Prepare country for national elections; and
• Continue to rebuild infrastructure.

The U.S. Role Is To: 

• Promote good relations with a sovereign Iraq, under U.S. Ambassador John Negroponte;
• Help Iraqis build democracy and infrastructure;
• Provide technical experts to assist Iraqi ministries; and 
• Assist in providing the Iraqi people with security and stability, with Iraqi and coalition forces.

International Support

• The international community pledged $38 billion for schools, health care, and infrastructure.
• A UN resolution will move Iraq toward self-government.
• NATO will help train Iraqi security forces.

National Elections

A UN team helped form an Iraqi Independent Election Commission to oversee national elections. In January 2005, the Iraqi people will choose a Transitional National Assembly, the first representative national governing body in Iraq’s history.

The Assembly will serve as Iraq’s legislature and will choose a Transitional Government with executive powers. It also will draft a new constitution subject to a national referendum. Iraq will elect a permanent government by the end of 2005.

Establishing Stability

U.S. and coalition forces will remain in Iraq as part of a multinational force authorized by the United Nations. Iraq’s armed forces, under civilian control, are a principal partner in the coalition and will eventually take total responsibility for Iraq’s security. Over 200,000 Iraqi security forces are now at work.

Improvements in Iraqi Quality of Life

• Food and electricity are distributed evenly across the country.
• Nearly 2,500 schools have been renovated; 32,000 secondary school teachers have been trained.
• Health care spending increased 30-fold since liberation.
• Oil infrastructure is being rebuilt and can produce 2.5 million barrels per day.
• Iraq has a free press, with over 100 newspapers and numerous broadcast outlets.
• Small businesses thrive in Iraq’s streets.
• Iraq has a stable currency; the value of new dinar has already risen 25 percent.