July 14, 2003
Middle East reaction to the establishment of an Iraqi interim governing council is varied, with some commentators viewing it as a step towards normalising the situation there.
Others are sceptical, believing that under US supervision, the council might not be able to guarantee a sovereign Iraq. And some vehemently reject the council, saying it does not represent the Iraqi people.
The formation of the Iraqi transitional governing council and the convening of its first meeting was an important step towards building a new Iraq. The distribution of power in this balanced way is a big step forward, after all powers in the previous Baath regime were in the hands of one person, Saddam Hussein .
Al-Watan - Saudi
Until now, the Americans have only committed mistakes in Iraq, and perhaps they did so with good intentions. The time has come for them to seek help from people who know the country well, especially since Iraq, through various phases of its modern history, was governed by a strong central authority based in Baghdad.
Al-Mustaqbal - Lebanon
Without doubt, the new Iraqi governing council represents the interim period which is aimed at giving the Iraqi people a chance to realise their dreams, after remaining in the grip of the worst dictator of the modern world for about four decades . The new Iraqi governing council - even though its announced role is to administer Iraqi affairs until elections are held - should provide security and stability and boost the country's economy.
Al-Bayan - UAE
The establishment of the [Iraq's governing] council will remain a formality to beautify the occupation unless it is followed by a serious and fundamental step which will guarantee the freedom and sovereignty of Iraq.
Al-Dustur - Jordan
Arab governments must not recognise this council and must not deal with its members or its executives as representatives of the Iraqi people.
Al-Quds Al-Arabi - London
There are many ambiguities regarding the political council which is to determine the fate of Iraq under the supervision of an American governor. These councils are not established based on the people's votes and views. The people of Iraq have no role in forming these councils.
Jomhuri-ye Eslami - Iran
The governing council in Iraq has not been chosen by the Iraqi people but by the appointed American ruler in Iraq. This council will not be able to solve the occupiers' problem in Iraq and pave the way for the establishment of stability in that country.
Iranian radio - Iran
The democratic Iraq which President Bush and his administrative hawks promised has turned out to be sectarian one which will violate the freedom of opinion and will employ the same policies as the past regime.
Al-Quds Al-Arabi - London
In the long run, US security will only be guaranteed by putting an end to the occupation [in Iraq] and nothing else.
Al-Mustaqbal - Lebanon
The question still is whether the chaos imposed on Iraqi society following the American attack is caused by the Americans' mismanagement, or it is a result of the fact that American policy-makers do not know the realities of Iraqi society?
Hamshahri - Iran
BBC Monitoring , based in Caversham in southern England, selects and translates information from radio, television, press, news agencies and the Internet from 150 countries in more than 70 languages.
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