Iraq: New Legislation Restores a Degree of Hope

Amidst the mounting pessimism over Iraq’s forthcoming election, Michael Allen of Democracy Digest takes heart in the recent passage of a “new and notably liberal Law on Non-Governmental Organizations.” The legislation, expected to soon be signed by Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, is a “relatively rare victory for democracy advocates” which Allen believes may create greater political space for independent civil society actors. Among the many provisions are a relaxation of start-up requirements, an elimination of fundraising restrictions, and a decriminalization of punishments from imprisonment to administrative sanctions for those who break the law.