(Washington Institute for Near East Policy) Ellen Laipson and Rend Rahim Francke - Many in Washington discount the potential value of the Iraqi opposition (in exile and in northern Iraq), but these elements should be considered as serious candidates for immediate succession following Saddam's removal. Some object that the Iraqi opposition-in-exile lacks legitimacy, but surely it has no less legitimacy than the current regime. Many exiled opposition elements have been active since long before the U.S. took interest in them. They could play an important role in a successor government, ensuring security, justice, public health, food distribution, and other vital services.
2002-10-04 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive