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A legitimate government is generally recognized by the citizens and other countries as genuinely representing the interests of the people and able to manage its own affairs. The American-supported regime in Baghdad fails on both counts.

The al-Maliki led group in Baghdad does not have the support and respect of much of the population. The Sunni representatives have even dropped out of the parliament. The people of Iraq and countries around the world look upon it as a "puppet regime", although there are occasional disagreements with the Americans. Although it is the closest that exists to a national government, it rules in name only. It has not accomplished anything of note, other than spending American money.

The Iraqi government's military forces invariably require American back-up to conduct credible operations. It doesn't even control much of the Shiite areas of Iraqi, which are under the sway of various independent militias. Al-Maliki's regime is entirely dependent upon the protection of the Americans to remain in power. They even meet in the American controlled green zone and are protected by US troops.

Ultimately, the test of whether it is a legitimate government or not is what would;d happen if the American troops were to suddenly disappear. Nobody believes that the Al-Maliki regime would last beyond a few days, were the Americans to leave. As such, it is entirely dependent upon American support, just as the spcialist regime in Kabul was dependent on the Soviets, after their invasion of Afghanistan years ago.

Learn more about this author, Robert C. Sage.
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