VOL. XLVI

No 48

1-December-2003

The Political Scene (1 December 2003)

American plans to speed up the transfer of power to Iraqis suffered a serious setback when the leader of Iraqs Shi'a majority, Ayatollah 'Ali Sistani, pointed out that they were not quite as democratic as they appeared to be or should be. The IAEA arrived at a compromise on Irans nuclear activities, which achieved the rare feat of pleasing both the Americans and the Iranians. The Americans have reduced Israels loan guarantees...