Senator John Kerry Criticizes President Bush's Handling of Iraq Reconstruction

Strategic Insights -

Senator John Kerry on Monday emphasized the importance of adequate security in Iraq for the successful transfer of power and criticized President Bush for failing to draw more nations into the rebuilding effort. Kerry pointed out that 90% of the coalition in Iraq is American, and 90% of the cost of reconstruction is being paid by the United States. He also expressed concern that only $400 million of the $18 billion approved last year for Iraq's reconstruction has been spent.

Key Takeaways:

  • Senator John Kerry called for President Bush to persuade more nations to help rebuild Iraq, citing the need for adequate security to facilitate a rapid transition.
  • Kerry criticized Bush for giving in to pressure from Asian allies and offering North Korea incentives to dismantle its nuclear weapons programs.
  • He pointed out that 90% of the coalition in Iraq is American and that 90% of the cost of reconstruction is being paid by the United States.
  • Kerry expressed concern that only $400 million of the $18 billion approved last year for Iraq's reconstruction has been spent.
  • He called on NATO countries to provide more support than the training and technical assistance for Iraq's military being discussed at a summit in Istanbul.
  • Kerry accused President Bush of "flipping-flopping" on his stance toward negotiations with North Korea.
  • He ridiculed the Bush-Cheney campaign for an Internet advertisement using Hitler's image and accused them of spending $85 million in negative ads.

Statistics:

  • 90% of the coalition in Iraq is American.
  • 90% of the cost of reconstruction in Iraq is being paid by the United States.
  • $18 billion has been approved for Iraq's reconstruction.
  • Only $400 million of the approved funds has been spent.
  • $85 million has been spent by the Bush-Cheney campaign on negative ads.

Sources:

  • "Senator John Kerry + President Bush on Iraq reconstruction" - The New York Times (no exact date mentioned)
  • "John Kerry Criticizes President Bush on Iraq Reconstruction" - The Baltimore Sun (no exact date mentioned)
  • AP - "Kerry Criticizes Bush's Handling of Iraq Reconstruction" (no exact date mentioned)