Funmurphys: the Blog

Not Slow, Not Fast, but Half Fast

What is the American organization that has performed the least well in Iraq? Overall, the UN has to win hands down for its unwavering opposition to any safety measures; the CPA (Coalition provisional Authority) has to be the least effective on the US side. The military seems to be doing the best job all around, not just security but interacting with the Iraqis and in rebuilding efforts. I suppose it should be remembered that the post World War II occupations of Japan and Germany were both military with generals in charge, but that isn't the case in Iraq.

I think a lot of the criticism of the Pentagon's handling has been reflexive rather than insightful. Yes, I understand there are areas in Iraq where unrest continues, and the Baathist remnants and possibly Al Queda terrorists are able to kill American soldiers. But it isn't militarily significant. Could the military do a better job - sure, you can always do a better job, but I think they are doing a good job, certainly more than adequate enough to fulfill their responsibilities. And I think if the civilian side of the occupation was doing its job, the military side would be much easier.

When we turn to the CPA, we discover a systematic failure in their responsibilities -- most notably in getting a constitution written and in getting the coalition side of the story out to the Iraqi people. Part of the problem may be that they are making do with a revolving door of short term civilian workers; part may be that it is the effort that the State Department is most heavily involved in; and part purely organizational: it was formed just this year, the people don't know each other, and it has no tradition, training, or experience in getting the job done in the face of adversity. Its head, Paul Bremer, has just returned to the US for discussions at the White House; I assume he's going to be motivated to get the job done. Whether or not he and the organization or up for it is another matter. It seems to be the one most caught up with bureaucracy, poor contracting, excessive reliance on American and non-Iraqi contractors, and a seeming lack of urgency in carrying out its responsibilities.