NWI Insights - Conflict in the US on the construction of Iraq's democracy

One of the aims of a war in Iraq was to remove the dictatorship regime of Saddam Hussein and in its place create a democracy. NWI recently featured a report by Carol Off of the CBC which highlights the problems of putting such a theory into practice. Her report focuses on the internal battles that are taking place within the US primarily between the State Department and the Pentagon, over who will control the creation of a new Iraqi civil administration.

Providing a panoramic view of the River Tigris in Iraq, Off sights Iraq's vast history; the cradle of civilization, where literature and indeed writing were invented. Thousands of years later the US are trying to install a new civil administration. Washington will determine who and how this ancient land is to be governed. The success of the initiative is vital not only for Iraq, explains Off, but for the stability of the whole Middle East region. Unfortunately she notes, so far the signs are not good.

Off interviews a former diplomat and Ambassador in the Middle East, James Akins who expresses his unease at the current situation. He describes a traditional saying uttered by Iraqi women to their children which says, 'you be good or the Mongols will come and get you". His fear is that in 20 or 400 years time it won't be the Mongols that make up this well-known saying but the Americans.

Much of the conflict in the US over who should be handling the setting up of a civil administration in Iraq is between the State Department and the Pentagon, reports Off. The Department of State argues that they possess Arab speaking Middle Eastern experts and should have control over the process. On the other hand, the Pentagon argues that they won the war so they should be in charge, explains Off. Personnel nominated by the State Department were subsequently vetoed by the Pentagon. The Pentagon instead assigned Jay Garner, a retired US General to oversee the development of a civil administration. According to Garner, the overall goal is to create of an environment where the Iraqi people are able to run the country for themselves.

Off talks to Robert Dreyfuss, a freelance journalist who has spent considerable time investigating the personnel who are now playing a role in a new Iraqi administration. He openly expresses concern over the Pentagon's choice, Garner who he describes as a controversial figure. Dreyfuss contends that Garner has been involved in a number of initiatives over the past years mentioning specific examples such as an anti-missile system in Israel, and his close ties to an Israeli think-tank in Washington. It is such relationships, expresses Dreyfuss, that would appear to make him the wrong person for the task.

Off interviews Frank Gaffney from the Center for Security Policy, who in contrast asserts that a number of people are interested in creating a smear campaign against Garner. Gaffney says that the people who are initiating such campaigns are doing so for reasons of self-interest.

Alongside Garner, says Off, the Pentagon have chosen another interesting character to play a role in the new administration, Ahmed Chalabi. They have flown out Chalabi and many of his closest friends to Iraq. Chalabi was born in Iraq but has not lived there for over 40 years, states Off. He was convicted in Jordan for bank fraud and although initially groomed by the CIA they now strongly oppose him, she explains.

Dreyfuss argues that Chalabi is seen as a US puppet who has no credibility or following in Iraq, and is not representative of any ethnic or tribal group. Dreyfuss claims that Chalabi is supported by the ruling US neo-Conservatives because he has been a co-thinker for at least the past 15 years.

Gaffney argues that Chalabi has been unfairly vilified and that he is in fact a man of vision and should be respected as a contributor to the new administration.

Off reports that the US Department of Defense have been recently undertaking the media rounds and talk shows selling their plan of action in Iraq and that some Iraqis have taken on board the American's ideas for a new Iraq. Off speaks to Emad Dhia from the Iraq Reconstruction and Development Council who says that having been in America for a number of years he is both a proud American and a proud Iraqi. He asserts that America have done a huge amount for Iraq, contributing even the blood of their sons and daughters to fight against the former Iraqi regime. He says, how can we not trust them when they have done this?

Off returns to James Akins, former ambassador to Saudi Arabia, for the final word on the Iraqi reconstruction. He says that it would not be his choice but the US government has clearly decided that they want to look after the administration of Iraq and to be in full control of this.

Summarizing Off contends that the cost of rebuilding Iraq is estimated at as much as $100 billion. It is believed that the sale of Iraqi oil may pay for much of this.

Finally Off ponders how long will it be before Iraq will seize its own destiny?

This extract forms part of just one of the many insightful news features presented on the 24 hour news network Newsworld International (NWI). If you would like further information or are interested in subscribing to NWI, visit their website at www.nwitv.com or telephone their subscription service on 1-800-280-4388.

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