Iraq War: Inept managers

Thursday, September 15, 2005

SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER EDITORIAL BOARD

While Americans struggle with the recovery from Hurricane Katrina, insurgents continue to inflict new disasters in Iraq. The Bush administration must get on top of the mess in Iraq every bit as much as it is trying to do in the Gulf Coast region.

Somewhat like it did with New Orleans, the White House prematurely thought the Iraq battle was won. The administration's May 2003 proclamation of "Mission Accomplished" was never more wrong than Wednesday, when suicide bombs killed at least 160 people in Baghdad alone.

That constituted the single worst day among many very bad ones for Baghdad residents since the U.S.-led invasion overthrew Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. But it has been clear since the summer of 2003 that Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has no idea how to provide security.

President Bush should take a page from his own New Orleans playbook, accept his share of responsibility in Iraq and focus on restoring security, decent living conditions and hope. He might start by proclaiming: "Rummy, you're doing a heck of a job."

Link Here