On this pivotal day, the Coalition Provisional Authority, led by U.S. administrator L. Paul Bremer, handed over the sovereign power to Iraq’s interim government, effectively marking the end of the direct military administration that had governed since the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003. This transfer of power was designed to signal a new era for Iraq, where an Iraqi government would take the reins of political authority while U.S. and coalition forces remained in the country to ensure stability and security during a tumultuous period.

The new interim government was headed by Prime Minister Iyad Allawi and included a mix of individuals from different political backgrounds, sects, and ethnic groups, aiming to achieve broader representation among Iraq’s diverse population. This move to establish a sovereign Iraqi government was part of a larger strategy to prepare the nation for eventual democratic elections and rebuilding its political institutions. However, the transition was fraught with challenges, including ongoing violence, insurgency, and competing interests among various factions within Iraq.

The sovereign handover was intended to restore a sense of national identity and shared governance among Iraqis, amidst a backdrop of uncertainty and geopolitical complexities. The Coalition Provisional Authority continued to manage military operations to support the Iraqi government and work alongside international bodies to achieve peace and stability in the region. The transfer was viewed internationally as a necessary step towards Iraqi autonomy, yet it also raised questions about the long-term impact of foreign intervention in the country’s sovereignty.