Allawi Nurtures Popular-But-Strong Image [View All]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&e=5&u=/ap/20050113/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_allawi_s_legacy

BAGHDAD, Iraq - With elections less than three weeks away, interim Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi is spending much of his tenure's final days wooing Iraqis and reassuring them of his ability to lead this nation fatigued by war and terror.

It could be a tough sell.


In the six months since the U.S.-backed, tough-talking leader took the helm, things have gotten steadily worse in much of Iraq (news - web sites). An insurgency now nearing its two-year mark has intensified, racial and religious divisions have deepened and discontent has grown over a wide array of problems, from crime and unemployment to power outages and fuel shortages.


Allawi's interim government came to office June 28 with a seven-month mandate to prepare for the Jan. 30 vote and contain the insurgency. At the time, Iraqis hoped that he had what it took to do the job, but the challenges have proved daunting.

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"If you're asking me to assess Allawi, then I tell you that he did not succeed," said businessman Adel Abdullah, 30. "In fact, he has monumentally failed. He killed many Iraqis and caused shortages of fuel, drinking water and electricity."