Iraq aims security law at terrorists

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BAGHDAD -- The Iraqi government yesterday announced a new package to fight insurgents and terrorists, acting even as a wave of attacks paralyzed the capital and shook other parts of the country.

In Baghdad, mortars landed short of the headquarters of the Iraqi National Accord, the political party of Prime Minister Iyad Allawi. Hours later, masked gunmen battled Iraqi police in a public square, while a massive car bomb was defused in a busy commercial district across town.

Against the backdrop of traffic jams, tension and sweltering heat, Iraqi officials disclosed the tough new "National Security Law," which is meant to counter foreign fighters and insurgents acting against U.S.-led multinational forces and the Iraqi government.

The set of emergency powers was welcomed by most Iraqis, who are disgusted with more than a year of rampant violence, and cautiously received by U.S. officials, who say American forces will support and coordinate with Iraqi troops on measures such as roadblocks or searches.

The law allows Mr. Allawi to declare a state of emergency in individual areas for up to 60 days, or the duration of hostilities. Once imposed, the law allows the government to use police and military forces against Iraqi citizens, halt public movements, conduct cordon-and-search operations, and enforce curfews.

The government is also allowed to intercept conversations, mail and e-mail; ban meetings or demonstrations; and restrict the movement of foreigners.

The Washington Times first reported on June 19 that Iraq's interim government was considering reviving emergency martial law powers.

It is the most decisive action taken by the 10-day-old caretaker government, and represents the most significant break with orders handed down by the Coalition Provisional Authority.

The ministers of justice and human rights said the law had been signed by Mr. Allawi on Tuesday, and promised that it would not be used to unnecessarily curtail Iraqi citizens' new civil liberties.

"There are severe dangers threatening us here, and we have tried to guarantee justice and also to guarantee human rights," said Bakhityar Amin, the Kurdish exile who is now Iraq's first human rights minister.