U.N. Backing for Iraq Sovereignty Narrowly Passes
The U N Security Council voted 15 to 0 in favor of a U S resolution backing transfer of sovereignty to Iraq s new government in 14 months since Saddam s fall The plan allows Iraqi leaders control over their troops and a say on sensitive multinational force operations while stopping short of vetoing major U S led military actions The interim government gains legitimacy and aims to secure international support as it confronts security and political challenges Meanwhile Bush calls it a catalyst for change in the Middle East and democracy in Iraq and ally nations weigh further military commitments