Conflicting views in Baghdad

[leftchick]

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/front/10435423.htm


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BAGHDAD - Deep within the Green Zone, the fortified home of Iraq's interim administration, U.S. officials are offering an upbeat assessment of their multibillion-dollar efforts to rebuild the country.

At briefings there and in Washington, Bush administration officials say a tidal wave of U.S. aid is finally having an impact on everything from health care and oil production to restoring the marshes of southern Iraq. Some of these behind-the-scenes, long-term improvements will benefit lives for decades, they say.

On the streets beyond the Green Zone, there are Iraqis who would disagree, saying that little, if any, progress is being made and that the overall quality of life remains unremittingly grim.

"The Americans keep saying that they are making things better and better," said Ali Ayad, a 17-year-old school dropout. "If things are getting better, why did I have to leave school to support my family?"