Allies Slow on Bush Call for Iraq Funds

[Khephra]

TOKYO - With doubts still deep, there was no rush from Washington's foreign allies Monday to answer President Bush's call for money to help fund his Iraq policy.

Japan, normally a quick backer of Washington, offered only a lukewarm response and other nations said they would like to see greater United Nations involvement in post-war Iraq first.

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, busy kicking off a campaign for re-election as head of Japan's ruling party, had no immediate response. One of his chief spokesmen expressed only a basic understanding of Bush's call for Japan and Europe to chip in funds to help in the security and reconstruction effort in Iraq.

"It has always been the position of the Japanese government that it is willing to assist as well as contribute to humanitarian efforts," Koizumi spokesman Yu Kameoka told The Associated Press.

Like many foreign leaders, Koizumi has found it hard to support Bush.

more...............

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/breaking_news/6718739.htm

[Robin Hood]

1. Like many foreign leaders, Koizumi has found it hard to support Bush.

Iraq is not a humanitarian mission. It's a grab for oil.

[hadrons]

2. unlike American voters, these guys aren't so easily fooled

[Dulcinea]

3. If this was a humanitarian mission...

...the Iraqis would have water & electricity, at least.

Why would our allies want to finance the PNAC's power fantasies? I wish someone would ask Boy George that...while the TV cameras are running!