Another dividend from deposing Saddam Hussein emerges:
His Majesty King Abdullah [of Jordan] on Wednesday announced plans to decentralize local government by redrawing provincial administrations that are to be run by publicly elected local councils. Emphasizing that political, social, economic and administrative development is an integrated process, King Abdullah said it is "essential to expand the base of public participation in that process."In a televised address to the nation, the King said a review of the current administrative divisions would yield "development areas, or regions," each consisting of various governorates. He explained that "each region will have a local council directly elected by its people to work hand-in-hand with the elected municipal councils in the governorates to set priorities and draw up plans and programmes related to their respective regions."
...The King also urged all citizens of Iraq to go to the polls on Sunday, when the country will hold its first national elections in more than 50 years.
"The elections are the only realistic way for the Iraqis to achieve security and stability, rebuild their country, and ensure that Iraq regains its natural and special status within the region," King Abdullah said.
Whether King Abdullah's arm is being twisted by Washington, or his hand forced by the political and economic reality of a democracy flexing its muscles right next door, this is news to encourage and vindicate President Bush's forward strategy of liberation. (Hat tip to Iraqi Sam who, incidentally, would not be blogging had Iraq not been liberated.)
SPEAKING OF DICTATORS OUT OF CHARACTER FOR THE BETTER: Moammar Gadhafi demanded the release of Iraq reconstruction contractors kidnapped by terrorists.