 Iraq's first democratically elected government was sworn in yesterday amid escalating violence. Prime Minister Ibrahim Jaafari pledged to unite Iraq's rival ethnic and religious factions and fight terrorism. "You all know the heavy legacy inherited by this government. We are afflicted by corruption, lack of services, unemployment and mass graves," Jaafari told lawmakers after taking the oath of office before the National Assembly. "I would like to tell the widows and orphans ... your sacrifices have not gone in vain." |