Bush Will Seek Aid, Jobs Funds To Bolster Iraq

The Wall Street Journal | January 5, 2007` | Yochi Dreazen & Greg Jaffe

[Man of the Right]

WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration's new strategy for Iraq, which the president is set to announce next week, will include a big boost in spending to fund reconstruction, economic growth and job creation, as part of a broader effort to help embattled Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

People familiar with the matter say that Mr. Bush will detail his request for billions of dollars in new aid for Iraq next week in an eagerly awaited speech on his strategy to contain sectarian violence there and clear the way for an eventual U.S. military withdrawal. In his speech, Mr. Bush will also call for the deployment of as many as 20,000 additional American combat troops to Iraq as part of a controversial "surge" designed to stabilize Baghdad and other violent regions of the country.

[Man of the Right]

Sounds like Lyndon Johnson's Mekong River project. Actually, the Iraqi economy has been improving (how could it be otherwise, with the U.S. spending $100B a year about to jump to $146B in FY2008?). For non-subscribers, the article details the less-than-stunning proposals: Increase troop strength to 170K, play musical chairs with national security jobs and appropriate $1B in development aid, which presumably will disappear into numbered Austrian bank accounts. If accurate, the most striking thing about the proposal is the so-called surge. Obviously, the U.S. has reached the limit of its ability to deploy trained troops. This sounds like a classic compromise. Dubya asked for 40-50K, the Chiefs wanted no increase, they compromised at 20K. Six months ago, Rumsfeld would have run over the Chiefs. This illustrates Dubya's diminished political capital.

[MadIvan]

I believe the Iraqi economy should not be propped up any longer. The Iraqi government is presently the equivalent of the teenager still living with his parents.

I suggest we give Kurdistan its independence, and arm them to the teeth. This will create absolute havoc in Iran, as their fellow Kurds will likely rise up in an attempt to join them. Havoc in Iran is good for us.

Regards, Ivan

[Man of the Right]

I agree. Iraqi Kurdistan has enjoyed de-facto independence since 1991. It's time to make it de jure. That will upset the Turks, but what have they done for us lately?

[Obie Wan]

Hey George,you want to spend America's money on re-construction projects,come on up here to the Northeast and I'll show you a lot of areas that could use re-construction.Just a thought,how about they use some of their oil money on their own re-constuction ???

[DTogo]

Ditto!

[Man of the Right]

Obviously, I agree. Consider the price Conservatives are paying for Iraq:

1. Tax cuts expire in 2010
2. Death tax exemption reduced to $1MM in 2011. Elimination -- dead.
3. Entitlements reform -- dead. Amount of income subject to Social Security increases to $97,500 in 207. Further increases likely.
4. Democrat House and Senate
5. Iraq budget jumps to $147B in FY2008 -- a 47% increase. This is 1/6 of all Federal discretionary spending.
6. More than half of all U.S. grounds committed to Iraq (in country, refitting or about to deploy) indefinitely
7. Force modernization delayed
8. 850 KIA and 6500 WIA annually indefinitely. 3000 KIA and 22,400 WIA to date.
9. 2008 Republican Presidential nominee has to run with the Iraq albatross affixed to his or her neck. Likely Democrat 2008 sweep (Hillary?).