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pritchke · 04-11-2003, 12:18 PM

Installing a retired U.S. general to run the interim government would alienate the Arab world

Paragraph 2 & 3 from fairly lengthly article by ARTHUR KENT:
http://www.macleans.ca/xta-doc2/2003...ld/57853.shtml

Today in Iraq, the two former foes claim they're united in keeping their eyes on the immediate prize -- securing Iraq -- yet they seem blind to the threat of long-term reverses, both political and military, in the region. Despite having misread the volatile sympathies and allegiances of a predominantly Arab society trapped by war, the Bush administration (to the increasing dismay of its British ally) still plans to impose a U.S. military administration on the conquered land and its people. This "Iraqi Interim Authority," under the ultimate command of Gen. Tommy Franks, is to be led by a retired American lieutenant-general, Jay Garner, who is a lightning rod for anti-American sentiment among Muslims. Garner has visited Jerusalem under the sponsorship of right-wing groups who believe the U.S. can project its power into the region by way of the Israeli state and military. Three years ago, he lent his name to a statement by the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs admonishing Palestinian leaders for supporting rather than discouraging an outbreak of violence in Gaza and the West Bank.

"In the context of the road map for peace," one British cabinet source told Maclean's last week, "the general represents a pretty substantial sleeping policeman [Britspeak for speed bump]. The Prime Minister is determined not to let this kind of obstacle get in the way after the war." Which is why both Tony Blair and his foreign secretary, Jack Straw, have spoken loudly and often about the need to place the administration of post-war Iraq in the hands of Iraqis, initially under United Nations auspices, as soon as possible. Blair foresees a three-stage approach, with a brief interim military authority followed swiftly by a transitional Iraqi body that would draft a constitution, making way, finally, for an elected Iraqi government.
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I support the PM's (Blair's) view on this issue and I think Colin Powell is more aligned with Blair on this issue than other officials in Washington. I feel installing American generals to run post war Iraq would be taken as a symbol of occupation. The army should play a role in policing and peace keeping not running the country.

04-11-2003, 12:18 PM	#1
pritchke Bastet - Egyptian Cat Goddess Join Date: September 5, 2001 Location: Calgary, AB Age: 50 Posts: 3,491	Installing a retired U.S. general to run the interim government would alienate the Arab world Paragraph 2 & 3 from fairly lengthly article by ARTHUR KENT: http://www.macleans.ca/xta-doc2/2003...ld/57853.shtml Today in Iraq, the two former foes claim they're united in keeping their eyes on the immediate prize -- securing Iraq -- yet they seem blind to the threat of long-term reverses, both political and military, in the region. Despite having misread the volatile sympathies and allegiances of a predominantly Arab society trapped by war, the Bush administration (to the increasing dismay of its British ally) still plans to impose a U.S. military administration on the conquered land and its people. This "Iraqi Interim Authority," under the ultimate command of Gen. Tommy Franks, is to be led by a retired American lieutenant-general, Jay Garner, who is a lightning rod for anti-American sentiment among Muslims. Garner has visited Jerusalem under the sponsorship of right-wing groups who believe the U.S. can project its power into the region by way of the Israeli state and military. Three years ago, he lent his name to a statement by the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs admonishing Palestinian leaders for supporting rather than discouraging an outbreak of violence in Gaza and the West Bank. "In the context of the road map for peace," one British cabinet source told Maclean's last week, "the general represents a pretty substantial sleeping policeman [Britspeak for speed bump]. The Prime Minister is determined not to let this kind of obstacle get in the way after the war." Which is why both Tony Blair and his foreign secretary, Jack Straw, have spoken loudly and often about the need to place the administration of post-war Iraq in the hands of Iraqis, initially under United Nations auspices, as soon as possible. Blair foresees a three-stage approach, with a brief interim military authority followed swiftly by a transitional Iraqi body that would draft a constitution, making way, finally, for an elected Iraqi government. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I support the PM's (Blair's) view on this issue and I think Colin Powell is more aligned with Blair on this issue than other officials in Washington. I feel installing American generals to run post war Iraq would be taken as a symbol of occupation. The army should play a role in policing and peace keeping not running the country.