Iraqi city moves toward self determination

The tense northern Iraqi city of Mosul took a small step toward controlling its own destiny today, naming a cross-section of locals to operate alongside the American military until full free elections can be held,.

Mosul, Iraq’s third-largest city, is largely Arab but ethnically mixed. It remains volatile weeks after Saddam Hussein’s regime was overthrown and has been the site of fierce anti-American protests.

More than 200 representatives of the city’s tribal and ethnic groups chose a mayor and city council.

Retired army General Ghanim al-Boso, an Arab, was chosen as mayor and the council includes seven Arabs, three Kurds, a Christian and a Turkmen, among others.

Mosul is considered a volatile blend of Arabs, Kurds, Christians and other ethnic groups.

Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Gonsalves, a US military commander, said the council would be a “representation from the entire city of Mosul.” He said people with expertise in various areas such as public works would be part of the mix on the council.

The move on the local level comes as the United States works to bring representatives of various groups together in Baghdad to form a national government that is representative of Iraq’s cross-section of ethnicities and interests.