Reconciliation in Iraq Goes Down
08 October 2007 8:47 am by Taylor Marsh
So what are we doing there now? It’s clear the Iraqis aren’t going to do anything
towards national reconciliation. I also don’t see shoving it down their throats
as a viable alternative. Maybe now Clinton, Obama and Edwards will commit to
redeployment by 2013. Otherwise every life now lost is lost in vain.
For much of this year, the U.S. military strategy in Iraq has sought to reduce
violence so that politicians could bring about national reconciliation, but
several top Iraqi leaders say they have lost faith in that broad goal.Iraqi leaders argue that sectarian animosity is entrenched in the structure
of their government. Instead of reconciliation, they now stress alternative
and perhaps more attainable goals: streamlining the government bureaucracy,
placing experienced technocrats in positions of authority and improving the
dismal record of providing basic services.(snip)
"We demand that the American administration stop this adventure, which
is rejected by all the sons of the people and its national political powers,"
the leading Shiite political coalition said in a statement. "Their elements
are criminals who cannot be trusted or relied upon."Top
Iraqis Pull Back From Key U.S. Goal
Reconciliation Seen Unattainable Amid Struggle for Power
