Number: RS21820 Title: Iraq: Transition to Sovereignty Authors: Kenneth Katzman, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division; and Jennifer Elsea, American Law Division Abstract: Amid ongoing insurgency, the United States handed sovereignty to an Iraqi interim government on June 28. The Bush Administration maintains that the handover was a success and will begin a transition to democracy and stability. Critics assert that the handover does not appear to have diminished the anti-U.S. insurgency, threatening the transition roadmap developed by the United States and United Nations. Legal issues may arise regarding the validity of laws issued during the occupation, as well as the status of U.S. troops in Iraq. Pages: 6 Date: July 21, 2004