Iraq Sovereignty Returned

Out of the blue, a little over an hour ago, the United States and Coalition Forces transferred sovereignty for the nation of Iraq to the Iraqi people. It occurred two days earlier than scheduled.

[Update - 0340am EDT] Prime Minister Iyad Allawi will lead an interim government having full sovereignty, according to a UN Security Council resolution on the handover earlier this month. Effective 10:26am Baghdad time, Iraq ceased being occupied by foreign powers. The continued presence of coalition forces is per the request of the interim Iraqi regime.

Some slants are less than upbeat. As an example, MSNBC is reporting that the handover is a symbolic formality done in a sneaky manner.

[Update - 0445am EDT] FOX News reports that Ambassador Paul Bremer has departed Iraq.