New US chief arrives in Iraq

Paul Bremer faces a number of challenges

The new US administrator of Iraq, Paul Bremer, has arrived in the country after a major shake-up in the American post-war team.

The former terrorism expert, who will be the top civilian official in the country, arrived in the Iraqi capital Baghdad after a brief visit to the southern city of Basra.

He was accompanied by General Richard Myers, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, and retired US Army General Jay Garner, until Mr Bremer's arrival the most senior US civilian administrator.

His arrival follows the departure of the US administrator for Baghdad, Barbara Bodine, who has returned to Washington amid criticism that vital services are not being restored quickly enough.

It's a wonderful challenge to help the Iraqi people basically reclaim their country from a despotic regime

Paul Bremer

Paul Bremer: US 'tough man'

Iraqis have become increasingly frustrated about their lives remaining in chaos, more than a month after the end of Saddam Hussein's regime.

Several Baghdad neighbourhoods still lack electricity and running water, rubbish is piling up in the streets and many shopkeepers are reportedly too afraid of looters to re-open their businesses.

There is a lack of security, ministries are not working properly and salaries are not being paid.

Mr Bremer, 61, who will have to decide which Iraqis join the interim administration, said: "It's a wonderful challenge to help the Iraqi people basically reclaim their country from a despotic regime."

He said he would be discussing the transition to an Iraqi Government with appropriate people in the country.

"We intend to have a very effective, efficient and well-organised handover," he added.

One Iraqi who may become involved in the political process is Shia opposition leader Ayatollah Mohammed Baqr al-Hakim, who has returned to Iraq after 23 years in exile.

Crowds of followers in the holy city of Najaf have gathered to greet the ayatollah as he visits his birthplace on Monday.

Tough task

As well as overseeing the political transition towards the creation of an interim Iraqi Government, Mr Bremer faces a number of other challenges.

The BBC's regional analyst, Roger Hardy, says he needs to launch a more assertive approach to tackling crime, violence, lack of electricity and running water, and try to get more police on the streets and ministries up and running.

A senior US official is quoted by the Washington Post as saying that "a very different organisation" will be in place by the end of the month.

But Mr Bremer dismissed rumours that Mr Garner would be leaving Iraq early.

Mr Bremer said: "I certainly intend to work with him in the next weeks here to get a bunch of serious milestones accomplished."

Washington rivalry

Our correspondent says Mr Bremer's appointment is a clear signal that all is not well, with US officials privately admitting that they underestimated the daunting tasks involved in running post-war Iraq.

Part of the problem is reported to be the rivalry in Washington between Pentagon hawks and state department doves over who should be doing what in Iraq.

The US delegation flew on to Baghdad after meeting with British officials and military commanders in Basra, who have been responsible for establishing order in the city.