Bush Administration Seeks to Allay Concerns over Shiite-Run Iraq

Strategic Insights -

The Bush administration's top officials, including Vice President Dick Cheney and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, have sought to alleviate concerns that a Shiite-run Iraq could emerge following last weekend's elections. In a series of TV interviews, they emphasized that most Iraqis reject an Iranian-style theocracy, citing the influence of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who opposes direct cleric involvement in governing. Administration officials hope to guide Iraq clear of a clerical-led government and instead towards a more democratic path.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Bush administration has expressed confidence in the direction of Iraq's new government, citing the opposition of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani to direct cleric involvement in governing.
  • Vice President Dick Cheney emphasized that the Iraqi people have watched the Iranians operate for years and create a "dismal failure" of a theocratic government.
  • Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld stated that he does not think Iraq will end up with a government like Iran's, with a small group of mullahs controlling much of the country.
  • Rumsfeld warned that it would be a "terrible mistake" if the new assembly adopted a constitution that denied women the opportunity to participate fully.
  • The administration officials acknowledged that they would have less influence over a transitional Iraqi government selected by the newly elected assembly.
  • Ayatollah Sistani has been clear in his opposition to direct cleric involvement in the day-to-day operations of government.
  • Rumsfeld emphasized that any exit strategy for American troops would be based on conditions on the ground, including the size of the insurgency and the involvement of Syria and Iran.
  • 136,000 Iraqi police and military personnel are trained and equipped, with some 40,000 able to handle the most challenging missions.
  • Rumsfeld noted that there are different categories of trained personnel, with some trained to be policemen versus counterterrorism or police commandos.

Statistics:

  • 140,000 American troops are stationed in Iraq.
  • 136,000 Iraqi police and military personnel are trained and equipped.
  • 40,000 of these Iraqi forces are able to handle the most challenging missions.
  • 7-10 different categories are being trained to do very different things.

Sources:

  • "The New York Times" (no date provided)
  • "Fox News Sunday"
  • "Meet the Press"
  • "The NBC News program"
  • "The Civil War general William Tecumseh Sherman's declaration"