Iraq

Issue and Position Statement

23 November 2003

There is a lot of political rhetoric trying to put a pretty face on things.  But we are past that now - or should be.  It's time to face some hard, perhaps politically unpopular, realities so that we can move on.  It's time to admit that:

   The United States Government wrecked Iraq in spite of objections from most of the world.  Now the United States Government has to rebuild it - and it is unrealistic to expect substantial help from those trampled on in the rush to war.

   Much of the money ear marked for Iraq is not getting there - the massive handouts to politically connected corporations absolutely has to stop.  To be most effective the money has to be spent in Iraq.

   The US Military is the wrong tool for policing Iraq - Iraqi policemen must be recruited in massive numbers, and paid well.

   The rebuilding of Iraq must be done by Iraqis - Iraqi contractors and Iraqi workers are the only ones who can rebuild the buildings, bridges, power stations, and pipe lines.  Iraqi workers must be given a stake in their future.

   The US Military is going to be in Iraq for a long time - build them some sustainable bases, with water purification facilities.

   Combat soldiers are not good diplomats and it is unwise to force the job upon them - move them out of everyday casual contact with the Iraqi people.  They can still carry out operations and be the protector of the government - but they don't have to be its prime representative.

   Iraq is not the United States - do not expect them to exactly copy American laws and processes.  Guide them, but remember at any given time there are a lot of people in the United States that want to change American laws and processes.

Iraq is not a happy situation but it is the one we have.  It will never be a good situation but with intelligent and realistic planning it can be better - and that will Make America Better.

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