Ayad Allawi

This article on the new Iraqi Prime Minister is interesting reading. The concluding paragraph:

Allawi's appeal, and also his liability, is that he will govern Iraq as a strongman. His biggest problem these next few months will be staying alive, in the face of death threats. His only real protection will be the support of other Iraqis. In that sense, for all the U.S. troops who will remain after Wednesday's handover, Iraq's fate will really be in the hands of Iraqis once again.

Let's hope Allawi is a patriot who will do what is best for Iraq and not just what is best for Allawi.