Amman, June 12: The International Crisis Group (ICG) think-tank warned today of serious trouble in Iraq unless the US-led administration takes immediate steps to empower the Iraqi people and restore basic amenities. The coalition provisional authority (CPA) is facing a "race against the clock" in Iraq where it must restore "security, basic amenities and social welfare", the ICG said in a statement.

"If it is unable to do so, and establish a better rapport with Iraqis before the blistering heat of summer sets in, there is a genuine risk that serious trouble will break out," the Brussels-based ICG warned.

"The CPA is banking on the prowess of its military forces, the talents of its hard-working staff and a bit of luck to overcome both the security challenge and the many logistical hurdles it faces," ICG Middle East project director Joost Hiltermann said in the statement.

"If the gamble fails, its legitimacy in the eyes of Iraqis may suffer a defeat that could prove difficult to reverse and deal a serious, if not fatal blow, to the political transition that today still holds out the prospect of significant material change in the lives of Iraqis," he said.

The ICG, a private multinational organisation, criticised several measures taken by the US-led administration in Iraq, including the "dis-establishment" of the former ruling Baath party and an order to disband the Iraqi Army.

Bureau Report