The inauguration of an Iraqi-led government in Baghdad is the first concrete step toward creating a free and democratic Iraq. Installation of the Iraqi Governing Council by the United States is still problematic, but a successful transition from U.S. administration to a stable and functioning civil society will ensure its legitimacy. To facilitate that process, as well as international acceptance of the new government, the United Nations should oversee the task of reconstructing Iraq.

The Governing Council comprises 25 members, 22 men and three women. It has the power to appoint and dismiss ministers; it will draft the 2004 budget (and will be able to amend the current-year budget drawn up by the American Coalition Provisional Government); and it will oversee the creation of the body that will draft the new Iraqi constitution. One of its first orders is to set up special tribunals to try members of the former regime. Despite the impressive list of tasks, the U.S. retains veto power over all council decisions.

The Governing Council brought its vision of the new Iraq to the U.N. this week, telling delegates that its primary goal is to shorten the period of interim administration and allow the Iraqi people to establish their own democratically elected government. To achieve that, Mr. Adnan Pachachi, a former foreign minister (before Saddam Hussein took power) and head of the Independent Iraqis for Democracy, stressed the need to restore law and order and called on U.N. members to actively contribute to the rebuilding of the country. He warned of mounting frustrations among the Iraqi people as lawlessness continues and basic services remain unavailable.