Desperate Bush (DODO*) Effort To Stabilize Iraq May Undermine Iraqi Democracy

The New York Times > International > Middle East > Reconstruction: Iraqis Warn U.S. Plan to Divert Billions to Security Could Cut Off Crucial Services: "Iraqi officials in charge of rebuilding their country's shattered and decrepit infrastructure are warning that the Bush administration's plan to divert $3.46 billion from water, sewage, electricity and other reconstruction projects to security could leave many people without the crucial services that generally form the backbone of a stable and functioning democracy." [--snip--]

"For a year we have been talking, with beautiful PowerPoint documents, but without a drop of water," Mr. Chadirji said, waving a colorful printout that he received from American officials.

The decision to shift the money, which had been earmarked for rebuilding everything from roads and bridges to telecommunications and the outdated equipment pumping oil, appears to signal an abandonment of the administration's original plan for putting Iraq back on its feet as a functioning nation.

*DODO: Doesn't Obey Direct Orders