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Iraq
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
Government: In accordance with Provisional Constitution
of July 16, 1970, executive and legislative powers exercised by
Revolutionary Command Council (RCC), chairman of which is also
president of country. First parliamentary elections held in June
1980, resulting in First National Assembly. Second National Assembly
elected in October 1984; National Assembly has generally met twice
annually as provided in Constitution and exercises legislative
functions together with RCC, which has ultimate decision- making
authority.
Politics: Political system was under firm control
of Baath (Arab Socialist Resurrection) Party. Party's high command,
called Regional Command, was headed in 1988 by President Saddam
Husayn, who held title of secretary general of the Regional Command
and was also chairman of the RCC; vice chairman of the RCC and
presumably successor to Saddam was Izzat Ibrahim; vice president
was Taha Muhy ad Din Maruf. Government and political leadership
interchangeable because members of Regional Command also members
of RCC. Political activities, where they existed, carried out
within framework of Progressive National Front (PNF), of which
Iraq Communist Party (ICP) was a participant. Some Kurdish and
independent progressive groups also included in PNF. Politics
of opposition outside PNF banned for all practical purposes.
Administrative Divisions: In 1988 eighteen governorates
or provinces, each divided into districts and subdistricts. Limited
self-rule was granted to Kurds in three northern governorates
officially known as Autonomous Region (see Glossary) and popularly
known as Kurdistan (land of the Kurds).
Judicial System: Administratively under jurisdiction
of Ministry of Justice but theoretically independent under the
Constitution. All judges appointed by president. Court of Cassation,
highest court of land; personal status disputes handled by religious
community courts (Islamic law--or sharia, or other). Country divided
into five appellate districts.
International Affairs: Major issue was war with
Iran since 1980 and attempts at a peace settlement, which resulted
in cease-fire in August 1988. In 1980s Iraq moved from close friendship
with Soviet Union to rapprochement with United States (diplomatic
relations reestablished in 1984), cordial relations with Western
Europe, especially France, and good relations with Persian Gulf
states and Jordan. Iraqi relations with Syria, which supported
Iran in the war, were cool.
Data as of May 1988
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