WWJ(K)D in Iraq?
Although opposition and dissatisfaction with the administration’s handling of the Iraq is growing, one line of defense for Bush is to wonder openly what exactly Kerry would do differently about the situation as it currently exists. For his part, Bush can say, the administration remains “resolute,” whatever that means in this context, and “won’t cut and run.”
Against that backdrop, the Wall St. Journal today assesses “What Would Kerry Do” (subscriber site) and finds two major thrusts to Kerry’s still-evolving approach to Iraq:
• take steps to partner with the U.N. and our major European allies as quickly as possible
• support the creation of a U.N. high commissioner in Iraq to replace Paul Bremer.
Seems about right – we need to de-Americanize the situation. There is also this general argument that needs to be pressed openly in the campaign, articulated here by Ivo Daalder, a former National Security Council staff member and another Kerry foreign-policy adviser, “After12 months of arrogance and ignorance, only a Democratic administration would have the credibility" to enlist greater NATO and U.N. support that would help take the American face off the occupation.
But General Zinni (ret) says it’s already too late to expect the U.N. or our allies to help us out in Iraq
From the same Wall St. Journal article:
Outside critics, such as retired Gen. Anthony Zinni, say the Bush administration's moves may have sealed Washington's fate in Iraq. Having too few troops on the ground for the invasion led to widespread looting and destruction of Iraq's infrastructure, Gen. Zinni argues, while carrying out a regime purge and dismantling the army may have fatally destabilized the country. Drawing allies into the fray would have been easier if the Bush administration had thrown out a few reconstruction contracts to its allies instead of awarding them almost exclusively to U.S. companies. Meanwhile, Gen. Zinni, who once led U.S. troops in the region, says postponing a handover of sovereignty would probably just enrage Iraq.
"It's an American problem and we're stuck with it," Gen. Zinni says.
Against that backdrop, the Wall St. Journal today assesses “What Would Kerry Do” (subscriber site) and finds two major thrusts to Kerry’s still-evolving approach to Iraq:
• take steps to partner with the U.N. and our major European allies as quickly as possible
• support the creation of a U.N. high commissioner in Iraq to replace Paul Bremer.
Seems about right – we need to de-Americanize the situation. There is also this general argument that needs to be pressed openly in the campaign, articulated here by Ivo Daalder, a former National Security Council staff member and another Kerry foreign-policy adviser, “After12 months of arrogance and ignorance, only a Democratic administration would have the credibility" to enlist greater NATO and U.N. support that would help take the American face off the occupation.
But General Zinni (ret) says it’s already too late to expect the U.N. or our allies to help us out in Iraq
From the same Wall St. Journal article:
Outside critics, such as retired Gen. Anthony Zinni, say the Bush administration's moves may have sealed Washington's fate in Iraq. Having too few troops on the ground for the invasion led to widespread looting and destruction of Iraq's infrastructure, Gen. Zinni argues, while carrying out a regime purge and dismantling the army may have fatally destabilized the country. Drawing allies into the fray would have been easier if the Bush administration had thrown out a few reconstruction contracts to its allies instead of awarding them almost exclusively to U.S. companies. Meanwhile, Gen. Zinni, who once led U.S. troops in the region, says postponing a handover of sovereignty would probably just enrage Iraq.
"It's an American problem and we're stuck with it," Gen. Zinni says.
posted by JFH @ 8:02 AM
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