U.S. Presidential Politics and Self-Rule for Iraqis

[Barrett808]

U.S. Presidential Politics and Self-Rule for Iraqis
By STEVEN R. WEISMAN
Published: February 19, 2004

WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 — In the Bush administration, it is considered heresy to suggest postponing the planned return of sovereignty to Iraq. Turning over control by June 30, administration officials say, is crucial to assuaging Iraqi distress over living under American occupation.

Yet in recent weeks, diplomats and even some in the administration have begun to worry that the date reflects more concern for American politics than Iraqi democracy. Their fear is that an untested government taking power on June 30 may not be strong enough to withstand the pressures bearing down on it.

"When we went into Iraq, our plan was to have a government, build a structure and write a constitution that would be a source of longterm stability," said an administration official. "Now that's out the window."

Many in the administration say that while they have no proof that the urgency to install a government is politically motivated, it feels to them like part of a White House plan to permit President Bush to run for re-election while taking credit for establishing self-rule in Iraq.

"I can make all kinds of arguments about why we need to establish democracy in Iraq on an urgent basis," said another administration official. "But when you hear from on high that this is what we must do, and there can be no questioning of it, it sounds like politics."

(more)

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/19/politics/19DIPL.html

[FloridaPat]

1. What I don't understand is, if the soldiers aren't coming back

for another 5-10 years are so, what's the big deal with a "legitimate" government? Just puts them in the position to be able to sell off the oil. Maybe Bush is hoping to have the oil wells sold off before the election so in case he looses he can become an employee for them after he leaves the White House and Levenworth.