By IPS Correspondents
ABU DHABI, Apr 30 2003 (IPS)

Securing peace and ushering in a representative form of government in Iraq could prove to be far more onerous than war, a leading United Arab Emirates (UAE) English daily commented.

In its editorial today, the ‘Khaleej Times’ of Dubai wrote that, "The war turned out to be much easier than expected for the Americans and the British." The newspaper believes that the contours of post-war Iraq, as well as the US presence in the region, are becoming clearer.

– Despite continuing protests in Iraq over the US occupation of their country and demands from various Arab leaders for US troops to withdraw, Washington has made it abundantly clear that it intends to stay put for some time to come."

Although President Bush has suggested a period of two years at least, others think it could be much longer and that there is a master plan to reorder the entire Middle East to suit US interests, the paper said.

ôIraq has been held in check but as US forces withdraw, it may feel less restrained, especially if the restive and long-suppressed Shias in Iraq feel they are not being given their due," ‘Khlaeej Times’ noted.

ôThe war turned out to be much easier than expected for the Americans and the British." Securing peace and ushering in a representative form of government could prove to be far more onerous, the newspaper concluded.

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