An Insecure Start to Iraq’s First Democratically Elected Cabinet

An Incomplete Start-

On May 3, Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari (standing) is being sworn in at a building in Baghdad’s Green Zone. But Iraq’s first elected cabinet, which was formed through that country’s general election on January 30, stands on unsteady feet. Among the 37 cabinet members, including the prime minister, five are proxies, while the names of the two deputy prime ministers are missing altogether. Prime Minister Jafaari explained that “there is dissension within the Shi’ite party surrounding the post of defense minister, which was promised to the Shi’as,” and added, “The personnel appointments will be completed in two or three days.” The empty seats and the serious faces of the cabinet members seem to presage the rough road that lies ahead for the fledgling government.