Postwar Window Closing in Iraq, Study Says

More Funds, International Force Recommended to Improve Security Situation

A team of outside experts dispatched by the Pentagon to assess security and reconstruction operations in Iraq reported yesterday that the window of opportunity for achieving postwar success is closing and requires immediate and dramatic action by U.S. military and civilian personnel.

The team concluded that the U.S.-led Coalition Provisional Authority in charge of reconstruction efforts is isolated and underfunded and recommended that U.S. officials move immediately to internationalize the daunting task of rebuilding Iraq, particularly in light of "rising anti-Americanism in parts of the country."

Amid escalating guerrilla attacks against U.S. forces and mounting criticism of the Bush administration by Democrats for poor postwar planning in Iraq, the report represents a comprehensive, independent assessment of conditions there, both in terms of security and reconstruction.

"The 'hearts and minds' of key segments of the Sunni and Shi'a communities are in play and can be won, but only if the Coalition Provisional Authority and new Iraqi authorities deliver in short order," the experts said in 10-page report to Pentagon officials, which they released at a news conference.

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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A8445-2003Jul17.html?nav=hptop_tb&nav=hptop_tb

what Reichsmarshal von Rumsfeld wants to hear, so it will be pooh-poohed & ignored.

The team concluded that the U.S.-led Coalition Provisional Authority in charge of reconstruction efforts is isolated and underfunded and recommended that U.S. officials move immediately to internationalize the daunting task of rebuilding Iraq, particularly in light of "rising anti-Americanism in parts of the country." (emphasis mine)

Underfunded...why does that sound so familiar?

not that it would be the first time he didn't listen to his own men. :eyes:

Geeeez, Cheney must be using 100$ bills to warm his mechanical heart - what the heck do they spend 4.5 billion a month on?

This whole time I've been saying "Iraq can't be as bad as it looks. No way." But it is.

rate this a 5, kick it. This is why NO MAN SHOULD HAVE TO DIE FOR A LIE. (or whatever Kerry said)

I hope George Bush follows the recommendations in this report -- dramatically increase troops and funding. It would probably mean mobilizing national guard units. The country would go nuts. But the report seems sound and its recomendations urgent.

I also hope that George Bush dons sack cloth and ashes, repents of his sins before the world community, and undertakes an ordeal of penance -- like say, Robert Deniro in the Mission -- as a preface to humbly asking the world community for help.


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Kerry's quote was closer to: 'How are you going to tell the last soldier that he has to die for a mistake.' I botched it myself, but it's a little closer.

This independent group was sent to Iraq in order to investigate the course Bremer has set, AFTER other commercial security specialists had given an alarming report on the security situation.

They even had stated "an even chance of open revolt" in Iraq. Since these were security studies meant for investors or aid organisations, it sure had a very negative impact on any rebuilding efforts. Any company daring to invest in Iraq will have to face huge security problems and efforts (costly!), as well as a serious risk of failure or even total loss of investment. That means they will only go if the profit margin is really high - and these profits will be ripped from the Iraqis. But these people are not stupid natives one may con easily!

It looks like a downward spiral to me.
No rebuilding - more anger - more attacks - worse security situation - even less rebuilding - even more anger ...

That window of opportunity is closing very fast, and I doubt Rumsfeld has a mind that allows admitting errors and a complete turn-around. And there's no one else in charge with enough power to force him.

Anyhow, those adults soon will be preoccupied with re-election, cover-up, scapegoat-hunting and impeachment-dodging.