Trudy Rubin: It's time for greater honesty about Iraq's present and futur

[Barrett808]

Trudy Rubin | It's time for greater honesty about Iraq's present and future
By Trudy Rubin

I've just returned from three weeks in Iraq, where I travelled from Mosul to Baghdad to Nasiriyah to Fallujah. It's hard to reconcile what I saw with the pep talk from the White House.

I think a decent Iraqi result can still be salvaged, but only if the Bush team starts being honest with the U.S. public about the postwar situation. And starts being more honest with itself.

The overwhelming feeling in Iraq today is of a train without an engine. Yes, the Kurdish north, and the Shiite south are quiet, while the Sunni triangle roils, and bombs go off in Baghdad. But the whole population is beset by uncertainty about security and jobs and U.S. intentions.

Iraqis are uncertain with good reason. The U.S. occupation of Iraq still appears to be operating without a clear plan.

The Pentagon has admitted (in a secret, leaked postwar report) that planning for the postwar occupation was minimal. That was obvious, although the administration still officially denies it. Occupation authorities are still playing catch-up, and postwar planners still can't cope with the growing problems in Iraq.

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http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/editorial/7215476.htm