Crocker To Tell Pelosi, Reid, et. al.: U.S. Has Moral Duty In Iraq
BAGHDAD — Improved security has contributed to an economic revival in Baghdad, and the United States has a “moral imperative” to keep bringing violence down, the U.S. ambassador to Iraq said Wednesday.
In a likely preview of his report to Congress next week on the state of the war, Ryan Crocker told USA TODAY that the Iraqi military’s recent attempt to disarm Shiite militias “had its share of problems.” He said the United States only had about 48 hours advance notice of the operation, which caused a wave of violence in Baghdad and southern Iraq.
However, Crocker said security and other areas have shown significant improvement since he last testified in September. “I think you can expect to see a continuation of that political and economic progress,” he said.
Crocker will be joined before Congress by Gen. David Petraeus, the U.S. commander in Iraq. President Bush has said he will decide whether to continue recent troop withdrawals based on their reports.
Cots lining embassy hallways outside Crocker’s office were a reminder of recent bloodshed. Rockets have rattled the U.S. compound all week, killing two U.S. government employees. Embassy staffers have abandoned their tin-roofed trailers to sleep in more fortified offices.
Still, the extra security provided by last year’s U.S. troop increase, or “surge,” has allowed many markets and shops in the capital to reopen. The International Monetary Fund says Iraq’s economy could grow a healthy 7% this year. “A whole lot more business can be done now,” Crocker said.
Among other recent successes cited by Crocker:
•Iraqi forces succeeded in retaking the strategically vital port of Umm Qasr, which had been controlled by militia loyal to the Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.
•Thousands of tribesmen in the southern city of Basra have volunteered to join Iraqi security forces since al-Sadr agreed to a cease-fire on Sunday.
•The U.S. Embassy plans to send reconstruction teams to southern cities such as Najaf and Karbala where militias have long been powerful.
Crocker also cited recent political progress on “benchmark” legislation, including a law setting provincial elections for the fall. He said the decline in violence had allowed parliament to come together as a “lively … somewhat effective” body.
Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del., said the “surge” had not achieved its stated goal of giving Iraqi politicians space to resolve their differences.
“This administration — and that extends to Ambassador Crocker — continues to define success downward,” Biden said. “Violence has decreased, but Iraqis have not come together.”
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