[Previous entry: "Report: Thousands Hurt, Killed in N. Korea Crash"] [Main Index] [Next entry: "Criticism for terror suspect bail"]

04/22/2004 Archived Entry: "Policy easing to bring Baathists into new Iraq"

Posted by steve @ 07:48 PM EST [Link]

NOW THIS IS JUST PLAIN STUPID: The White House confirmed today that it will likely allow the Ba'ath Party members into government and military positions. I know the counter argument is that the allies allowed many ex-Nazis back into government after the war and Germany turned out alright but that was after those people renounced their Nazi ideology. Given that much of the violence in Iraq is the result of Ba'athists trying to return to power, I think this is just plain stupid.

Read on.

Replies: 2 comments

Although I'd say "just plain stupid" is a bit of an overstatement, this is obviously a reason for concern.

I think the original call to ban these guys was the right call, but with the problems we're having with the security forces so far, this might be our only real chance in the short term. Plus, it will employ some warrior types who would otherwise be sitting around with spare time on their hands.

We need the security forces to help unify Iraq. I don't know that we really have much choice at this point. But I don't feel terribly good about it.

Posted by murdoc @ 04/22/2004 10:28 PM EST

I can see your point but this still makes me queasy.

Posted by Steve Martinovich @ 04/23/2004 04:10 AM EST