Coalition Provisional Authority

Following the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the Office for Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance (ORHA) was an organization established by the United States Government to act as a caretaker administration in Iraq until civilian rule could be established.

Its administrator (from April 21, 2003) was Jay Garner. On May 12, Paul Bremer arrived in Baghdad as head of the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), which superseded ORHA.

On July 22, 2003, the CPA appointed a special Iraq interim governing council made up of prominent Iraqis from various sectors of Iraqi society. Though still subject to the authority of the CPA administrator, the council has several key powers of its own. So far, their duties have been appointing representatives to the United Nations, appointing interim ministers to Iraq's vacant cabinet positions, and drafting a constitution that will later be voted on by the Iraqi people.

The presidency of the council rotates every month (see president of Iraq).

See also: Civilian Administrator of Iraq

External links

• Coalition Provisional Authority : News releases, mission statements, and budgets from the CPA (English and Arabic).