Huh...,
2003-04-12 00:46:16
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Christopher Hitchens, Prophet...,
2003-04-12 09:01:34
Cities of Chaos:
The observation that US forces wasted no time in securing Iraqi oil fields but thus far failed to even attempt securing Iraqi security, nevermind dismissing its importance altogether, should not go unmentioned. The argument that "looting is a sign of freedom" is absurd, it's a sign that "liberation" has been poorly planned and that coalition forces were not properly prepared to maintain order in post-Saddam Iraq. The administration's response is one of blind irresponsibility, such "stuff" shouldn't "just happen" under the nose of the world's Great Enforcer, a role the USG has assumed without remorse.
This gives weight to calls for UN control over Iraqi interim affairs, as the UN has, if nothing else, a more promising record and greater experience in such operations, at least when there's unity in the UNSC - the US is the only one who refuses to pass temporary authority to the UN, where it rightfully belongs.
It's not just Baghdad, but Kirkuk and Mosul, as well as Basra (where after days of looting British troops have only just started making the effort). All the Pentagon is concerned about are government offices, the looters murdering people for their pickup trucks doesn't register.
The violence of the civil conflicts taking place is the fruit of US policy and its failures. It's just more blood on our hands, another way not to win at hearts.