Almost three years ago, the United States led the military invasion of Iraq that toppled Saddam Hussein, the country's longtime dictator. Since then, Iraq has slowly moved to turn its government into a democracy. About 150,000 American soldiers are still in Iraq, trying to bring stability to the country as it goes through difficult changes. Some troops are also training Iraqi soldiers to play a bigger role in maintaining the security of their country.
Becoming a democracy is not easy. Iraq is deeply divided and plagued by violence. Iraqi insurgents, or rebels, have been fighting a brutal battle with other Iraqis and U.S. troops since the war began. It is too soon to know if Iraq's citizens will ever agree on the direction their country should take. But in the past two weeks, Iraq has taken two key steps down the path to its future.
The Law of the Land
On October 15, Iraqi citizens cast ballots to approve or reject a new
constitution. The constitution outlines the rules and procedures for a
new system of government.
Iraqis are bitterly divided over the constitution. Most Shiites and Kurds support it. Many Sunnis, a minority group, voted against the constitution. They say it is unfair to them. Still, most people expect the constitution to be adopted. Voter turnout was high. U.S. President George W. Bush called the event "a very hopeful day for peace."
The results will not be final until a recount has been conducted. Officials are looking for evidence of fraud. Some citizens may have voted more than once.
Saddam On Trial
Four days after the vote on the constitution, former dictator Saddam
Hussein appeared in a special court in Baghdad, Iraq's capital. He and
seven top members of his former government are charged with violent
crimes against their country. "I am not guilty," Hussein insisted. The
trial resumes on November 28.
Hussein, a Sunni, took control of Iraq in 1979. He made many enemies while he ruled the country. After being forced out of power in 2003, he spent eight months on the run. He was later captured by U.S. troops in Tikrit, his hometown.
Many hope Hussein's trial will help end a painful chapter in Iraq's history. "Saddam is gone and we are moving ahead," said Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari. "His case doesn't belong to just one nation, but the whole world. Iraqis would like to see justice done."
What Happens Next?
Even if the constitution is approved, Iraq faces many difficult
challenges. Throughout the week, violent attacks by insurgents continued
across the nation. The U.S. must make tough decisions too. Recent polls
show that fewer Americans than ever support their nation's role in Iraq.
Last month, the television network CBS asked nearly 1,200 people how
they felt about the war. More than half said that they want U.S. troops
to come home.
But the President praised the historic vote on the constitution as a step forward. "I am pleased with the progress being made," he said.
A Look at Iraq
Iraqi Muslims are divided into two main groups, Shiites and Sunnis. When
Saddam Hussein, a Sunni, was in control of the country, Sunnis held most
of the power even though they are in the minority.
Iraq is also divided regionally. Shiites dominate the south. Kurds, an ethnic minority, live mostly in the north. Sunnis populate the center of the country. Both the northern and the southern regions of Iraq are rich in oil, the country's top export. The new constitution would grant government power at the local level. Sunnis fear these rules would prevent them from getting their fair share of oil, one reason many of them oppose the new constitution.
Ethnic Groups
80% Arab
15% Kurdish
5% Other
Religious Groups
65% Shiite Muslim
32% Sunni Muslim
3% Christian and other