BAGHDAD -- In a controversial development today, members of the new Iraqi interim government were stripped and marched to their offices by coalition troops.
"We felt it would be more comfortable as well as humbling for them," said an unidentified military official. "This is not the time for them to get big heads."
The interim government includes only Iraqis, most of who have been vocal about running their own country.
"We'll be damned if they think it's all gonna be a walk in the park when we turn this junkpile over to them," said the military official. "They best know now who is really in control."
Photos of the temporary leaders were taken from the back only because "we have some respect for them."
Secretary of State Colin Powell could not be reached for comment. A spokesman from his office did say, however, that the press should "get the hell away from Mr. Powell. He has had it with everyone."
