Bush optimistic after Iraq poll, analysts skeptical

[sabra]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N17231393.htm

Bush optimistic after Iraq poll, analysts skeptical

WASHINGTON, Oct 17 (Reuters) - The Bush administration has touted last weekend's referendum in Iraq as progress but analysts said on Monday the new constitution was too ambiguous and violence still overshadowed Iraq's political future.

...

"(The referendum) was a very hopeful day for peace, an exciting day for a country that only a few short years ago was ruled by a brutal tyrant. And I'm pleased at the progress being made," said President George W. Bush, when asked to comment on the referendum.

But several analysts were less hopeful the constitution would boost democracy and said too many questions were left unanswered and the insurgency remained strong.

"No one really won in this constitution. It left almost everything vague. Everyone played to a tie but we don't know how the ties are going to be resolved," said Jon Alterman, director of the Middle East Program for the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a Washington think-tank.

[malaise]

1. He should have a look at his polls today n/t

[TheCowsCameHome]

2. I'm optimistic after looking at Bush's polls

Maybe I'll be even MORE optimistic next week.

[LynnTheDem]

3. We knew bush would lie about his "progress". That was a given.

#1. bush will LIE AGAIN this week about his "PROGRESS" in Iraq
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=2147802

#2. 2000 Americans dead...for an ISLAMIC STATE of repressed women in IRAQ
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=5059338

#3. Iraq "constitution"...A Lose-Lose Referendum
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=5049976

#4. LUCKY Iraqi women! STONING FOR ADULTERY coming soon!
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x5060146