Editorial: INC contradicts itself
By Isra Shakir
(Al-Iraq al-Yoom, 18 Sep 04) – The Iraqi National Congress dismissed Mithal al-Aloosi for visiting Israel where he expressed hope of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Congress emphasised this was al-Aloosi’s personal point of view and not that of the party. At the same time, the Congress none the less welcomed establishing relations with Israel if an elected Iraqi government decided to do so. What a contradiction! If so, then why did the Congress not postpone dismissing al-Aloosi until forming an elected government? The answer is suspended until a government is elected.
(Al-Iraq al-Yoom is a weekly newspaper issued by Isra Shakir.)

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Editorial: CIA’s three scenarios too limiting for Iraqis
(Addaawa, 22 Sep 04) – Again some bodies raise the issue of “civil war” in Iraq. The most dangerous thing is the report presented to the White House pointing three possibilities to the situation in Iraq: fragile stability, partitioning Iraq, and civil war. Why now are they talking about the civil war? More surprising is John Kerry’s declaration of the possibility of “endless war” in Iraq. Many bodies bet on civil war between Arabs and Kurds, Sunni and Shia, Kurds and Turkomen. But Iraqis’ awareness frustrated these bets. We need to be more cautious not to be entrapped.
(Addaawa is a daily paper issued by the Islamic Dawa Party.)

Editorial: Elections needed for stability
(Al-Adala, 22 Sep 04) – The possibility of postponing elections because of insecurity is being talked about nowadays. Meanwhile, Iraqi officials insist on holding them on time because postponement would weaken the government’s credibility with the people. Besides, all powers bet on elections, especially those who rejected participation in the current government in hope of a better future after elections. Moreover, some powers call for delaying elections because they think elections would exclude them of the political scene. There is even a current hostile to the whole new system in Iraq. They support, for example, the UN position to deter elections. We believe holding elections on time is the right entry to stabilize the situation.
(Al-Adala is issued daily by the Supreme Council of the Islamic Revolution in Iraq.)

Editorial: Interim government takes wrong step with Israel
By Basim al-Sheikh
(Addustour, 23 Sep 04) – Prime Minister Iyad Allawi shortened the way when he openly met the Israeli foreign minister in Washington which is an obvious reference to the fact that Iraq-Israel relations are underway to normalisation. With this incident, it is no more shameful to openly speak of Iraq-Israel relations and Iraqi officials no more need to care about Iraqis’ feelings. The incident also indicates that most players on the Iraqi political scene have relations with Israeli officials. Thank God that such things are taking place under an interim government which, according to the interim administrative law, cannot make conclusive decisions. Many officials now in power will vanish from the scene when Iraqis take the initiative after the elections.
(Addustour is an independent daily published by former journalist Basim al-Sheikh.)

Editorial: Why should Annan go when others stay?
By Hameed Abdullah
(Al-Mashriq, 20 Sep 04) – UN Secretary General Kofi Annan’s testimonial that the war against Iraq was illegal was late. It was not a slip of the tongue. Annan said it when he thought saying the truth could atone for his sins. Annan was like a dying man, and he wanted to tell the world that he was implementing what he had been dictated to do. Annan does not differ from former Secretary Generals who were between the hammer of conscience and the anvil of temptation. Annan’s smile while saying the war was illegal indicates he had nothing to lose after he became sure he would not get another mandate. Why should Annan lose his post while others keep theirs?
(Al-Mashriq is published daily by Al-Mashriq Institution for Media and Cultural Investments.)

Editorial: Everyone wants elections on time
(Al-Bayan, 20 Sep 04) – The great majority of our people agree on the necessity of holding elections on time as a first step to inaugurate democracy. It is also important because it will lead to establishing the parliament which will draft the permanent constitution and form an elected government. However, some extremists do their best to deter holding elections whether through questioning its legitimacy or destabilising security. The necessity of holding elections on time is agreed upon unanimously on the local and international levels. If some regional countries fear conducting them on time, the reason is their inaccurate expectations.
(Al-Bayan is issued four times weekly by the Islamic Dawa Party.)