The U.S. reaps a whirlwind in Iraq

[MSgt213]

Both U.S. policy-makers and commentators have been left reeling by the breadth and lightning speed of Iraq's April rebellion. Three things have been particularly crushing: the singular absence of any public Iraqi support for the United States during the stunning setbacks; the decision by the country's much-touted security forces to step aside or even join the insurgents as they took over a number of key cities; and the resignations, and an accusation of genocide in Fallujah, from members of the Iraqi Governing Council appointed by the United States.

In spite of those serious political and military problems for the United States, President George W. Bush reaffirmed on Tuesday that the White House will not divert from its established path in Iraq. "We will not step back from our pledge," he said during a news conference in Washington. "On June 30, Iraqi sovereignty will be placed in Iraqi hands."

The United States has repeatedly refused to allow elections for the government that is to run Iraq when it regains sovereignty on July 1. For the United States, dealing with an elected body that would forcefully challenge coalition policies and demand a real say in running the country would be a battle of endless embarrassments.

So the coalition has put democracy on hold until it can be safely managed. It is a disastrous policy. After the devastation of a war and an occupation whose only acceptable rationale - for Iraqis - was the promise of democracy, Iraqis will countenance nothing less.

EDITED BY ADMIN: COPYRIGHT

http://www.globeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20040415.wleon0415/BNStory/Front/

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. We're going to h*ll in a handbasket

Bush won't change his course. I don't know if it is stupidity, or the mechanisms of the neocons near him, but his policy towards Muslims, both in and out of this country, is one to make anyone of that faith suspicious of him. Now he's backing Sharon's plan, which, I understand, will maintain a chain of settlements that will, for all intents and purposes, cut a future Palestinian state in half. His calls for "crusades", his preacher friends who show their ignorance and hatred of the faith which recognizes Christians and Jews as "people of the Book", only add to the distrust. It makes me ill to know that this creature is in charge of the White House. Let us all work hard to boot him out in November.

[KoKo]

2. Bush and his PNAC crowd all along wanted an end to the UN. I'm sorry

that Anan and others have seemed to give them what they wanted, starting with not coming down harder on Bush/Blair not going back for a "Second Resolution before envading Iraq.

As a DU'er who along with many others here now and those who have left e-mailed the UN repeatedly and the French and German Ambassadors to the UN trying to stop the Iraq Invasion, this article makes me very sad.

But, the article is the truth. And it proves we didn't go into Iraq to "liberate and give a chance for Democracy." We went into Iraq to get our foot in the ME and get bases in because Saudi Arabia was getting to hot for us.

We need to get out and let the Iraqi's govern their country. It's theirs, not ours.