Bremer Expected to Meet Soon at White House

Reuters via Yahoo! ^ | Tuesday, November 11, 2003 | Reuters

[Momaw Nadon]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Iraq's U.S. governor, Paul Bremer, has arrived in Washington and is expected to meet soon with top officials at the White House for what is likely to be a decision-making session, a U.S. official said on Tuesday.

"When decisions need to be made, Bremer comes. Some decisions need to be made," the official told Reuters.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said there was no expectation Bremer would be leaving his post.

There was no immediate comment from the White House.

Bremer's return for what officials called "consultations" comes amid growing frustration in Washington with the U.S.-appointed Iraqi Governing Council and what some officials say is increasing friction with Bremer himself.

Bremer left Baghdad for Washington at short notice and canceled a meeting on Tuesday with visiting Polish Prime Minister Leszek Miller, the Polish delegation in Baghdad said.

The Bush administration is considering changes in the structure and timing of Iraq's transition to self-governance, including a new Iraqi constitution and elected government, according to a Washington Post report quoting an administration official involved in Iraq policy in Washington.

It is considering possible alternatives to Iraq's Governing Council to ensure the United States will be able to turn over power as troops are withdrawn, the newspaper reported.

The official who confirmed Bremer had arrived in Washington said it was presumed a White House meeting due to be held with Bremer on Tuesday would cover security and the political transition in Iraq.

He gave no further details.

In Washington, a Pentagon spokesman told Reuters the trip was apparently a routine part of Bremer's regular, direct consultations with U.S. officials at home.

"He's not coming back because of any emergency that I'm aware of. He returns periodically for normal consultations," said spokesman Bryan Whitman.

But other U.S. officials recently told Reuters there was growing friction between Bremer and Washington, particularly over Bremer's resistance to accelerating the transfer of authority from the Americans to Iraqis.

"I think Bremer thinks he can do the job (of stabilizing Iraq and putting it on the road to democracy) better than the Iraqis and you know, he's right," said one senior official, who is generally supportive of Bremer.

"But that's not the issue," the official added.

With violence against U.S. troops and the international presence in Iraq escalating, the United States has been searching for ways to reduce the American presence and defuse the hostility by increasing the profile and control of Iraqis.

[Momaw Nadon]

FYI and discussion

[Dog]

Something is up.....but what is the question.

[RandallFlagg]

Hmm. FReepin' sure makes me one anxious fella!

[aculeus]

But other U.S. officials recently told Reuters there was growing friction between Bremer and Washington, particularly over Bremer's resistance to accelerating the transfer of authority from the Americans to Iraqis.

Bush wants action. He'll get it ... soon.

[Coop]

Reportedly Bremer is carrying a bowling bag, which is emitting a foul odor...

[GO65]

Interesting - Newsweek reported that Bremer is the odds on favorite to become Sec. of State in the next Bush administration.

[r9etb]

In Washington, a Pentagon spokesman told Reuters the trip was apparently a routine part of Bremer's regular, direct consultations with U.S. officials at home.

"He's not coming back because of any emergency that I'm aware of. He returns periodically for normal consultations," said spokesman Bryan Whitman.

Not buyin' it. If this was "regular" he wouldn't have scheduled a meeting with the Polish PM in the first place.

Wonder what's up...?

[ItsOurTimeNow]

But other U.S. officials recently told Reuters there was growing friction between Bremer and Washington

Ah yes, Roooters famous "other officials" making unofficial statements....lol

Just like the "official" friction between Powell and Rummy.

Yeesh...they'll do and say anything just to take a jab at this Administration, won't they?

[george wythe]

"He's not coming back because of any emergency that I'm aware of. He returns periodically for normal consultations," said spokesman Bryan Whitman.

I hate spin.

Bremer had a scheduled meeting with the Polish prime minister, one of the few supporters of the US during the Iraq war, and one of few nations in continental Europe to contribute forces for Iraq.

I doubt that Bremer would have scheduled a meeting with the Polish prime minister and stood him up.

[1Old Pro]

Wonder what's up...?

I think we're going to step things up over there.

[Oldeconomybuyer]

...Reportedly Bremer is carrying a bowling bag, which is emitting a foul odor...

The "spoils" from another decapitation strike perhaps?

[JustPiper]

Well, FNC just said he left Bagdad abruptly on his way back

[JustPiper]

Earlier thread with alot of posts:

Bremer leaves Iraq suddenly

[diamondjoe]

I also think Bremer is too savvy to choose such an inopportune time to resign. I think he's there for the long haul. My guess is that they need to coordinate Bremer's actions in light of stepped up troop activity.

[colorado tanker]

Looks to me as if the Iraqi Governing Council is history.

[MediaMole]

IMHO, they have to completely rethink their strategies on turning security over to the Iraqis because too many attacks have been committed by "trusted" Iraqis. The more authority the Iraqi police have, the more deadly the attacks have become.

[GalaxieFiveHundred]

Wow, he sure made good time, first thread about him leaving Iraq was only posted about four hours ago. He must have used some alternative form of transportation...