British Scrap Basra’s Controversial Council
British troops in control of southern Iraq disbanded Basra’s city council, headed by a local leader accused by many residents of having close links to Saddam Hussein’s government.
A British military spokeswoman said the council would be replaced by a panel dealing with reconstruction and a forum of civic leaders who will work toward democratic government.
The old council was headed by Sheik Muzahem Tamimi, a tribal leader and Baath Party member. Tamimi denied being a close associate of Hussein’s, but locals regarded him as a relic of the regime.
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