Newspapers across the Middle East have reacted to the signing of the interim constitution for Iraq with a mixture of relief, praise and deep scepticism.
Some papers support the the development as a major step forward in the post-war political settlement of Iraq.
Others highlight the potential pitfalls ahead and question whether the new law is truly in the interests of Iraqis.
The signing of the Iraqi state administration law is the first step for our Iraqi brothers to regain their sovereignty.
- UAE's Al-Bayan
The enemies of Iraq rejoiced at the disputes that surfaced among Governing Council members two days ago, but their joy was short-lived, as they saw the Shi'ites acting in a balanced and responsible way, giving priority to the interests of Iraq as a nation and putting national unity at the forefront of their concerns, in response to a similar move by the Kurds.
- Commentary by Ahmad al-Rubii, Iraq's Al-Sharq al-Awsat
We are increasingly convinced that this constitution... is the result of a long drive to achieve harmony out of our own free will as Iraqis of all denominations... Most importantly, we have succeeded in concluding a completely home-grown charter under the shadow of a harsh occupation.
- Iraq's Al-Mada
The signing by members of the interim constitution under difficult circumstances is an important step forward, even if some see it as incomplete... The task will not be easy. Iraq is a country lacking security and stability. It has elements that reject the new realities on the ground... Arab brothers should support Iraq at this stage.
- Jordan's Al-Dustur
The temporary Iraqi administration council has approved the temporary constitution. Thus, the American administration, which could not take a very permanent step in Iraq, has taken one more temporary step! The agreement on the temporary constitution is temporary too. The main reason why an agreement has been reached is that basic issues have been left unclear.
- Commentary by Mustafa Balbay, Turkey's Cumhuriyet
By claiming that the Iraqi people do not know anything about democracy, Paul Bremer has raised doubts about the political wisdom of the Iraqis... It is with this same rationale, which is the rationale of arrogant powers, that America has imposed the interim constitution of its own choice on Iraq's Governing Council.
- Iran's Jomhuri-ye Eslami
The interim constitution is full of legal gaps. It safeguards the interest of the US occupation more than it does the rightful aspirations of Iraqis
- Commentary by Husam Aytani, Lebanon's Al-Safir
The Iraqi Governing Council has signed the state administration law after a crisis which almost led to a political battle. The council's overcoming of the crisis will bring further challenges for those who have agreed on rebuilding the country.
- Commentary by Rafiq al-Khuri, Lebanon's Al-Anwar
Recent differences among Iraqi parties on the interim constitution are expected to be an obstacle on the path to security and stability in Iraq. However, they are not, unfortunately, the only ones. The occupation and its role in the deteriorating security, economic and social situation, is still the major obstacle to peace and stability.
- Egypt's Al-Ahram
Although the law, or what is called the interim constitution, is not an ideal one, it establishes a significant degree of equality among the Iraqi national, factional and political formations... It is important to stress that establishing the interim constitution alone is not enough. What is important is the implementation of its contents in a responsible national spirit.
- Qatar's Al-Rayah
It appears that the interim Iraqi constitution, which is called state administration law, is a balanced document. However, we cannot say that the Governing Council and the occupation forces represent the Iraqi people. For this reason we should not expect the situation in Iraq to cool down without the evacuation of foreign troops first.
- Qatar's Al-Watan
I identify with the Governing Council members after the avalanche of criticism they received yesterday for signing the new Iraqi constitution and for being connected to the US and collaborating with it. The reality is that all the Arab regimes are US collaborators... so why should we single out the Council members out of all the good-mannered collaborators?
- Commentary by Fu'ad Abu Hijlah, Palestinian Al-Hayat Al-Jadidah
Freedom and independence rarely come out without struggle. The road ahead for Iraqi democracy is a long one and the outcome is not guaranteed. Yesterday's signing, however, was undoubtedly an historic moment in the history of Iraq, the Middle East and the world. Yesterday, Iraqis showed that Arab democracy need not be a contradiction in terms. The region's future depends on Iraq's bold experiment.
- Israel's Jerusalem Post
BBC Monitoring, based in Caversham in southern England, selects and translates information from radio, television, press, news agencies and the Internet from 150 countries in more than 70 languages.
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