White House Fantasies on Iraq
Editorial
The New York Times
August 14, 2003
Someday, in the months ahead, there may be an Iraq where a smoothly
run American occupation authority has dealt devastating setbacks to
terrorism, brought security to most of the country, improved infrastructure
and basic services, and elicited encouraging signs of democracy,
economic renewal and cultural rebirth. Unfortunately, right now that
Iraq exists only in the pages of the implausibly upbeat 100-day progress report
recently issued by the White House.
In Iraq today, American soldiers die, electricity shortages lead to rioting,
and the threat of terrorism against civilians must be taken increasingly
seriously. The biggest problems have been airbrushed out of the White House report,
making it read more like a Bush campaign flier than a
realistic accounting to the American people. There have, of course,
been positive accomplishments, but making a success of Iraq will require much
time, many billions of dollars and real sacrifices.
Pretending otherwise risks future public disillusionment.
In the face of news reports detailing continued insecurity,
failing basic services and painstakingly slow political progress, the White House cites
significant signs of better security, improved basic services and emerging democracy.
Not mentioned in the Panglossian report, covering the 100
days after President Bush declared an end to major combat operations,
were the 56 American soldiers killed in attacks during that period.
Days after the report's release, Basra was swept by rioting over electricity
and fuel shortages. While the report boasts of broad international
support, Washington still scrambles to line up countries willing
to contribute peacekeeping troops without expanded United Nations authority.
Many of today's problems in Iraq can be traced to the Bush administration's
tendency to credit what it wants to believe rather than more realistic
accounts. It exaggerated the evidence on Iraqi unconventional weapons
and links with Al Qaeda, underestimated the potential for chaos in a
country that had endured years of war, sanctions and dictatorship,
and misjudged the patience of the Iraqi people for putting up with postwar
disruptions and an occupying army. All those delusions find uncanny
echoes in the 100-day report.
In the real world there have recently been some hopeful signs that administration
policies are beginning to reflect a more sophisticated
understanding of Iraq. Future White House reports should describe that world, not wishful fantasies.
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