Thursday, October 20, 2005
So, is Afghanistan running smoothly?
This newspaper article caught my attention, late last night. Rice testifies on Iraq’s future War to follow model used in Afghanistan.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice today outlined a strategy of helping Iraqis clear out insurgents and build durable, national institutions as she sought to reassure jittery members of Congress about the path to peace in Iraq.The propaganda machine is probably working overtime. Wouldn't it be fantastic if the machine blew a couple fuses and sat there billowing black and gray smoke? I guess it already is blowing gaskets, right and left, but the smoke might be toxic.
Rice said the United States will follow a model that was successful in Afghanistan. Starting next month, she said, joint diplomatic-military groups - Provincial Reconstruction Teams - will work alongside Iraqis as they train police, set up courts and help local governments establish essential services...
...Continuing her recent stepped-up criticism of Syria and Iran, Rice said Iraq’s two neighbors must do more to help stop the flow of foreign fighters into Iraq.
With President George W. Bush’s poll numbers dragged down by public discomfort over Iraq, Rice was seeking to reassure lawmakers - who are feeling the heat from their war-weary constituents - that U.S. policies toward Iraq are sound.
Republicans and Democrats alike are raising questions about the Bush administration’s diplomatic and military plans in Iraq amid a rising U.S. death toll, soaring costs and slumping public support for the war.
