The people of Iraq may have mixed feelings about the interim government that came into existence last week, for it is an unelected government assembled ostensibly under the aegis of the United Nations but actually under the influence of the United States. Nevertheless, it is set to take over power from the U.S.-led occupation forces at the end of this month in the first step toward building a new, democratic nation.

Security prospects, however, remain clouded amid the continued insurgency against U.S. forces. Car bombs exploded, killing many people, in central Baghdad and elsewhere on the very day that the Cabinet lineup was announced. Ending the violence and establishing security throughout the country is the top priority of the new government.

There is a clear road map for a democratic Iraq. First, elections will be held next January for a national assembly that will draft a permanent constitution to replace the interim one. The new charter will be put to a referendum under a transitional government that will be formed after those elections. By the end of 2005 general elections will be held under the new constitution to establish a government representative of the Iraqi people.