was the "early turnover" in Iraq partially a way to blunt effect of F/911?

[Beaker]

I don't know if this topic has been broached yet(i've been offline all day), but could the sudden early turnover be a way to keep the PHENOMANAL performance of Fahrenheit 9/11(top grossing film in less than 1/3 of the screens of other "mainstream" fare...and a documentary no less...WOW!) off the front page, and out of the headlines?

[BigDaddyLove]

1. I wouldn't go so far as to say that it was planned that way.........

but it certainly didn't hurt.

[TrustingDog]

2. it crossed some minds...

wouldn't be surprised at all. Look for something else distractive in the next day or so.

[kentuck]

3. No, I think it was because they anticipated a huge reaction on the 30th...

Which would have made the transfer of "sovereignty" look rather weak and pitiful. By doing it today, they took the chance there were no plans in place for any large reactions to the transfer. However, will they still do their "protest" thing on the 30th?

[BigDaddyLove]

4. Additionally, there has been some reporting that.........

they did it early to thwart any 'insurgents' from blowing up the ceremony.

[vicman]

5. I wouldn't put anything past...

these bastards. The decision was probably made over the weekend with the success of Moore's film definitely in mind.

I woke up very early this morning and had the surreal experience of seeing the news as it was breaking on CNN. My first thought was, "I'll bet Bremer's got his bags packed." Sure enough, about half an hour later they were saying the Bremer went almost directly to the airport after the "ceremony." Later, someone (I believe maybe Christiane Amanpour) was talking about how brilliant it was for the Bushies to give the appearance of the Iraqi's being "on their own" for a few days so it didn't look like Bremer was handing power over to Negroponte. However, within thirty minutes of that, it was, "Breaking news: John Negroponte has arrived in Bahgdad." Guess the Bushies weren't as on the ball as she thought...