jenfly00 0 #26 November 19, 2005 QuoteI wouldn't get to traumatized by how long we are oing to be in Iraq. http://www.cnn.com/ Can't say this upsets me. The US is gonna have to bite the bullet and and GTF out at some point. May as well be sooner. What amazes me is that damn near everyone knew we would end up pretty much precisely where we are now. That we had no winning end game. There was no possible winning end game in attacking and occupying one Arab country! The only way it makes any sense to me is that after 9/11, the US had to show the world we would kick major ass if fucked with. As primitive as this is, I kind of understand and to a limited degree support it. We went too far in trying to liberate the 'freedom loving people' of Iraq, however. Now I know you are going to start shouting your pet words again, chief of which is democrats. Politicians are all about survival. Following 9/11 with the tribal fires burning brightly and the war drums playing loudly to scare away the evil spirity, politicians realized to survive they had to go along and even feed the tribal fears in order to survive. Do I think that's right? Of course not, but even if you ousted the lot, you'd get as bad or worse to replace them. That's just the way it is. In short, we (all of US) got ourselves in a fucked up situation ...we need to get out of it the best we can and as soon as we can..----------------------- "O brave new world that has such people in it". Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rushmc 23 #27 November 19, 2005 QuoteThe "at least we're doing something" retort isn't a good response when that something has an un-achievable goal, and is responsible for an continually increasing loss of life and deficit. .jim More goals have been set and met than you care to see. It is laughable that you think you know enough about what is going on to make the "un-achievable goal" claim. What is going on is bigger than just Iraq if you look past the politics"America will never be destroyed from the outside, if we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves." Abraham Lincoln Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gravitymaster 0 #28 November 19, 2005 QuoteQuoteI wouldn't get to traumatized by how long we are oing to be in Iraq. http://www.cnn.com/ Quote QuoteCan't say this upsets me. The US is gonna have to bite the bullet and and GTF out at some point. May as well be sooner. What amazes me is that damn near everyone knew we would end up pretty much precisely where we are now. That we had no winning end game. There was no possible winning end game in attacking and occupying one Arab country! Everyone knew this is where we would end up because that was the plan from the beginning. Get rid of SH, set up democratic elections so the Iraqi people can choose their leaders, and then withdraw once Iraq was able to provide their own security. I don't think we counted on the huge and fierce insurgency. That was a miscalculation, definitely. QuoteThe only way it makes any sense to me is that after 9/11, the US had to show the world we would kick major ass if fucked with. As primitive as this is, I kind of understand and to a limited degree support it. We went too far in trying to liberate the 'freedom loving people' of Iraq, however. Agreed, after our spineless approach to terrorists in the 90's we had to make a strong statement that enough was enough after 9/11. Whether we went too far is still debatable and only time will tell. QuoteNow I know you are going to start shouting your pet words again, chief of which is democrats. Politicians are all about survival. Following 9/11 with the tribal fires burning brightly and the war drums playing loudly to scare away the evil spirity, politicians realized to survive they had to go along and even feed the tribal fears in order to survive. And then when things weren't going the way they were planned, they tried to make claims that they were duped, when the truth is they didn't even read the intel. QuoteDo I think that's right? Of course not, but even if you ousted the lot, you'd get as bad or worse to replace them. That's just the way it is. I agree. Sad isn't it? QuoteIn short, we (all of US) got ourselves in a fucked up situation ...we need to get out of it the best we can and as soon as we can.. We will, but I'm glad we re going to stay long enough for Iraq to have a chance not to sink into civil war. Only time will tell. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Gawain 0 #29 November 19, 2005 QuoteQuoteThe "at least we're doing something" retort isn't a good response when that something has an un-achievable goal, and is responsible for an continually increasing loss of life and deficit. .jim More goals have been set and met than you care to see. It is laughable that you think you know enough about what is going on to make the "un-achievable goal" claim. What is going on is bigger than just Iraq if you look past the politics You couldn't possibly be talking about Libya, Lebanon, or elections in Egypt, Saudia Arabia, or the isolation of Iran and Syria. Those have absolutely nothing to do with their witnessing of two countries overthrown and rebuilding in record time. You wasklewy-wabbit...So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Channman 2 #30 November 19, 2005 Jenfly00 The vote was taken last night with well over 400 voting to stay the course with no US Retreat at the moment. 6 Dems voted present, did'nt have the courage to go on record, 3 Dems voted to Retreat with all remaining others voting to stay in the fight. The Dems may not be happy being put on the spot, but you have to be careful for what you ask for. Once again they are on record, how many days before they do a 180? I give em less than a week. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites bodypilot90 0 #31 November 20, 2005 QuoteOK hotshot. You and the other flag wavers got us into this. What was your end game plan for getting us out? One way or the other, we are determined to deny Iraq the capacity to develop weapons of mass destruction and the missiles to deliver them. That is our bottom line." President Clinton, Feb. 4, 1998. "If Saddam rejects peace and we have to use force, our purpose is clear. We want to seriously diminish the threat posed by Iraq's weapons of mass destruction program." President Clinton, Feb. 17, 1998. "Iraq is a long way from [here], but what happens there matters a great deal here. For the risks that the leaders of a rogue state will use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons against us or our allies is the greatest security threat we face." Madeline Albright, Feb 18, 1998. "He will use those weapons of mass destruction again, as he has ten times since 1983." Sandy Berger, Clinton National Security Adviser, Feb, 18, 1998 "[W]e urge you, after consulting with Congress, and consistent with the U.S. Constitution and laws, to take necessary actions (including, if appropriate, air and missile strikes on suspect Iraqi sites) to respond effectively to the threat posed by Iraq's refusal to end its weapons of mass destruction programs." Letter to President Clinton, signed by Sens. Carl Levin, Tom Daschle, John Kerry, and others Oct. 9, 1998. "Saddam Hussein has been engaged in the development of weapons of mass destruction technology which is a threat to countries in the region and he has made a mockery of the weapons inspection process." Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D, CA), Dec. 16, 1998. "Hussein has ... chosen to spend his money on building weapons of mass destruction and palaces for his cronies." Madeline Albright, Clinton Secretary of State, Nov. 10, 1999. "There is no doubt that . Saddam Hussein has reinvigorated his weapons programs. Reports indicate that biological, chemical and nuclear programs continue apace and may be back to pre-Gulf War status. In addition, Saddam continues to redefine delivery systems and is doubtless using the cover of a licit missile program to develop longer-range missiles that will threaten the United States and our allies." Letter to President Bush, Signed by Sen. Bob Graham (D, FL,) and others, Dec, 5, 2001. "We begin with the common belief that Saddam Hussein is a tyrant and a threat to the peace and stability of the region. He has ignored the mandate of the United Nations and is building weapons of mass destruction and the means of delivering them." Sen. Carl Levin (d, MI), Sept. 19, 2002. "We know that he has stored secret supplies of biological and chemical weapons throughout his country." Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002. "Iraq's search for weapons of mass destruction has proven impossible to deter and we should assume that it will continue for as long as Saddam is in power." Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002. "We have known for many years that Saddam Hussein is seing and developing weapons of mass destruction." Sen. Ted Kennedy (D, MA), Sept. 27, 2002. "The last UN weapons inspectors left Iraq in October1998. We are confident that Saddam Hussein retains some stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons, and that he has since embarked on a crash course to build up his chemical and biological warfare capabilities. Intelligence reports indicate that he is seeking nuclear weapons..." Sen. Robert Byrd (D, WV), Oct. 3, 2002. "I will be voting to give the President of the United States the authority to use force — if necessary — to disarm Saddam Hussein because I believe that a deadly arsenal of weapons of mass destruction in his hands is a real and grave threat to our security." Sen. John F. Kerry (D, MA), Oct. 9, 2002. "There is unmistakable evidence that Saddam Hussein is working aggressively to develop nuclear weapons and will likely have nuclear weapons within the next five years . We also should remember we have alway s underestimated the progress Saddam has made in development of weapons of mass destruction." Sen. Jay Rockerfeller (D, WV), Oct 10, 2002, "He has systematically violated, over the course of the past 11 years, every significant UN resolution that has demanded that he disarm and destroy his chemical and biological weapons, and any nuclear capacity. This he has refused to do." Rep. Henry Waxman (D, CA), Oct. 10, 2002. "In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stock, his missile delivery capability, and his nuclear program. He has also given aid, comfort, and sanctuary to terrorists, including al Qaeda members. It is clear, however, that if left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capacity to wage biological and chemical warfare, and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons." Sen. Hillary Clinton (D, NY), Oct 10, 2002 "We are in possession of what I think to be compelling evidence that Saddam Hussein has, and has had for a number of years, a developing capacity for the production and storage of weapons of mass destruction. "[W]ithout question, we need to disarm Saddam Hussein. He is a brutal, murderous dictator, leading an oppressive regime ... He presents a particularly grievous threat because he is so consistently prone to miscalculation. And now he has continued deceit and his consistent grasp for weapons of mass destruction ... So the threat of Saddam Hussein with weapons of mass destruction is real ... Sen. John F. Kerry (D, MA), Jan. 23. 2003. NOW THE DEMOCRATS SAY PRESIDENT BUSH LIED, THAT THERE NEVER WERE ANY WMD'S AND HE TOOK US TO WAR FOR HIS OIL BUDDIES??? Right!!! QuoteUSAID Accomplishments in Iraq March 2003 to March 2004 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WASHINGTON, DC 20523 PRESS OFFICE http://www.usaid.gov Press: (202) 712-4320 Public Information: (202) 712-4810 2004-010 March 18, 2004 The U.S. government began planning its support for Iraqi humanitarian and reconstruction needs by deploying a multi-agency Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to assess the humanitarian situation and coordinate relief in Iraq. At the same time, members of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) technical staff deployed to Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and Cyprus to prepare for post-conflict reconstruction. Immediately following the conflict, USAID established offices in four Iraqi cities-Baghdad, Al Hillah, Arbil and Al Basrah. On May 2, 2003, USAID began directing more than $1.5 billion in assistance, including $2 million in initial food aid. Today, USAID reconstruction and humanitarian assistance is delivered through 45 grants and contracts to U.S. businesses and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), supporting programs in power, water, sanitation, local governance, health, education and nutrition. The USAID Mission in Iraq coordinates all programs with the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA). Total USAID assistance to Iraq in fiscal years (FYs) 2003 and 2004 is $3.2 billion as of March 17, 2004. Power Production A key component of CPA's efforts in Iraq is the rehabilitation and improvement of the power system. Restoring electricity to homes, public facilities and businesses is critical to the re-establishment of all facets of Iraqi society. In April, Iraq's electrical generation capacity was 1,275 MW-29 percent of the pre-conflict level. Power production peaked at 4,066 MW on March 11. Since the conflict, the CPA has worked to more than triple electrical generation to the pre-conflict generating level of 4,400 MW. A key component of CPA's efforts in Iraq is the rehabilitation and improvement of the power system. Restoring electricity to homes, public facilities, and businesses is critical to the reestablishment of all facets of Iraqi society. Decades of operation without regular maintenance and fuel shortages have severely hampered dependable production. USAID is adding 907 MW of capacity by summer of 2004 through maintenance rehabilitation and new generation projects. Total demand in Iraq is still estimated to be 7,000 MW, and although the overall security situation has improved-especially since the deployment of “power police†to guard sensitive lines-looting of cables, destruction of high-tension towers, and fuel line sabotage persist. Water and Sanitation Iraq has 13 major wastewater facilities. Baghdad's three facilities are currently inoperable and comprise three quarters of the nation's sewage treatment capacity. Raw waste flows directly into the Tigris River. In the rest of the country, most wastewater treatment facilities were only partly operational before the conflict, and a shortage of electricity, parts, and chemicals has exacerbated the situation and only a few wastewater treatment plants are operational. Iraq's 140 major water treatment facilities operate at about 65 percent of the pre-war level of three billion liters a day. In Baghdad, USAID is currently expanding one water treatment plant and rehabilitating three sewage treatment plants. The first of the sewage treatment plants will come on-line in April 2004. Water and sanitation projects through USAID will benefit over 14.5 million Iraqis. These efforts include specific programs to rehabilitate the entire Sweet Water Canal system, including the canal and its reservoirs, and 14 water treatment plants and pumping stations providing potable water to over 1.75 million people. In central Iraq, these projects include rehabilitating one water treatment plant and four sewage plants. In the north, USAID is rehabilitating two water treatment plants and one sewage plant, and in Al Basrah, USAID is working to rehabilitate water treatment plants and pump stations. Telephone Communications Before the conflict, 1.2 million Iraqis subscribed to landline telephone service, much of which was centralized in Baghdad. A large part of the network's switching component was damaged during the conflict and service was disrupted. USAID installed 13 new switches which were fully integrated with the 14 existing switches in Baghdad to assist in restarting landline phone service. As a result, as of March 9 104,680 subscribers to the Iraqi landline phone network were reconnected. In addition, a satellite gateway system was installed and restored international calling service to Iraq on December 30. In total, repairs to the national fiber optic network have connected or reconnected Baghdad to 20 other Iraqi cities, comprising 70 percent of the population. Ports, Bridges, and Rails At the end of the war, port facilities at Umm Qasr were incapable of unloading or docking any deep draft ships. Dredging operations were initiated and now all 21 berths are open to deep-draft ships. Renovation of grain-receiving facility allows the port to process up to 600 metric tons of grain an hour. Umm Qasr seaport reopened to commercial traffic June 17. The first passenger vessel test was completed July 16. Currently, more than 50 ships offload cargo at the port every month. More than 200,000 tons of grain has been unloaded since the first ship arrived in mid-November. The grain-receiving facilities maintenance and management have been turned over to the Iraqi Grain Board. Port tariffs were applied on June 20, 2003 and these funds contribute financial stability of the port operations. These port revenues continue to outgrow port operating costs. As part of the reconstruction effort three bridges were identified as priorities for rebuilding. These bridges are critical to maintaining highway links in Iraq and providing transportation of food, people, and fuel across the country. For example, repairs to the floating bridge over the Tigris River at Al Kut have improved traffic for over 50,000 travelers each day. The three bridges will be completed by May. In addition, 72 kilometers of rail tracks from Umm Qasr to Baghdad have been repaired. Airports As part of Bechtel's $1.03 billion contract, airports, seaports, roads, bridges, and railways are being rebuilt, allowing for the transport of humanitarian assistance, reconstruction material, and increased commerce. USAID partner Skylink has assessed three civilian airports in Iraq - in Baghdad, Al Basrah, and Mosul. More than 5,000 military and NGO flights processing 4,500 passengers have arrived at and departed from Baghdad International Airport since July. The work here includes completing the emergency infrastructure work at Baghdad International Airport for civil air operations. Education Before the 1990s, Iraq had one of the best education systems in the Middle East, with universal primary school enrollment and high rates of literacy among women. A decade later, tight central government control had resulted in buildings that were rarely if ever maintained, teachers who were poorly paid and ill-trained, and shortages of basic equipment and schoolbooks. School enrollment for all ages had declined precipitously. Because of the importance of education in the reconstruction of Iraq, including the need to re-establish Iraq's formerly high degree of literacy, USAID has rehabilitated 2,351 schools country-wide for the first term of the 2003-2004 school year; printed and distributed 8.7 million revised math and science textbooks for grades one through 12; trained over 32,000 teachers and education administrative workers; and distributed 1.4 million secondary school kits throughout the country. These efforts, combined with the retraining of teachers and the provision of desks and chairs, have resulted in children returning to school. Notably, in the USAID Accelerated Learning Program, female attendance has surpassed male attendance, and overall attendance during exam week was 97 percent. Health Health conditions in Iraq deteriorated substantially under Saddam Hussein. By 2003, almost a third of the children in southern and central Iraq suffered from malnutrition. Life expectancy is 58 years-low in comparison to the average for least developed countries of 65 years. USAID has partnered with UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Abt Associates to support health program in Iraq. Since the end of the war, USAID has vaccinated three million Iraqi children under the age of five, administered tetanus vaccine to more than 700,000 pregnant women, and by April 30, 2004 the USAID mission will have provided updated vaccinations to 90 percent of pregnant women and children under five years of age. Other efforts include equipping 600 facilities in seven target governorates to provide essential primary healthcare services, training more than 2,000 primary healthcare providers, and re-establishing the country's vital disease surveillance system. Mobile health teams working with the Ministry of Health have visited more than 2,000 families who do not have normal access to or have not visited primary health care facilities as well. Local Governance The government of Iraq is being rebuilt to reflect the will of the people. The Baathist regime isolated the Iraqi people from the rest of the world, set individual against individual, neighbor against neighbor, ethnic group against ethnic group, and religious group against religious group. The USAID local governance program has facilitated the formation of 392 neighborhoods, 192 sub districts, 78 districts, and 16 governorate councils, and has engaged directly or indirectly more than 20 million Iraqis in local government political processes. Baghdad's councils now represent all of Baghdad's 88 neighborhoods to city and district councils. Projects for Women USAID has over 147 development activities underway or completed which focus on women and children issues, including civil society development as well as initiatives to improve community based communications and advocacy capacity. Approximately 76 percent of the direct beneficiaries of these activities are women. USAID funding has contributed to starting and rehabilitating more than 17 women's centers, shelters, and associations and to provide resources and training to women's rights groups and mobile crisis intervention teams. Community Action Programs USAID has provided small, quick-impact grants to communities to address reconstruction needs at the local level. These programs provide the opportunity for Iraqis to direct and delegate efforts and encourage collaboration between Iraqi communities. The communities themselves have committed contributions of over $13 million, which is over 20 percent of the total project funding being provided. These contributions have come primarily in the form of labor, in-kind contributions, buildings, and land. These community grants are dispersed through a number of different programs, including the Health Strengthening Project, the Community Action Program (CAP), and the Local Governance Program. Through these efforts, USAID has committed $49.2 million to 1,360 projects that have benefited eight million people. CAP has established 664 community associations in 16 governorates. To date, USAID has disbursed approximately 850 grants to Iraqi NGOs. Quick Impact Projects USAID delivered 37 “ministries in a box†worth $3.9 million, including office equipment, desks, chairs and computers, to assist the Iraqi ministries re-open and begin working following the post-conflict looting. USAID rehabilitated 19 Governing Council outreach centers, 30 municipal government offices, three post offices, three public libraries and five Iraq property claims commission offices. These projects have provided funding to 48 non-governmental organizations, six human rights associations, and ten arts and cultural organizations. In addition, USAID has provided assistance to ten media organizations, funded numerous documentaries and films, provided nine grants to support materials promoting democratic themes, and disbursed 18 grants to support public opinion polling activities. Economic Governance USIAD assisted the CPA in creating more than 77,000 public works jobs through the National Employment Program. USAID, working through its partner BearingPoint, provided technical assistance on the implementation of a bank-to-bank payment system that allows 80 banks to send and receive payment instructions. USAID is also managing a $21 million micro-credit program. Agriculture USAID has awarded 11 grants totaling over $600,000 for a variety of agricultural programs including support for Winter Crop Technology Demonstrations, refurbishment of veterinary hospitals, and other support for the agricultural sector. The Marshlands USAID is focusing on ecosystem restoration and social and economic programs in the southern marshlands that were decimated under the rule of Saddam Hussein. A technical team from a coalition of international partners is assessing the social and economic conditions in the marshes and are designing a long-term strategy for economic and infrastructure development. Activities include surveys, pilot sites, hydrological modeling, sampling soil, and water and monitoring regeneration. Humanitarian and Emergency Assistance To date, USAID has provided more than $104 million in humanitarian assistance to Iraq for coordination, health, nutrition, logistics, shelter, non-food items, support to internally displaced people, and water and sanitation activities. This has been accomplished through ongoing cooperative agreements with NGOs such as the International Medical Corps, International Rescue Committee, CARE, Mercy Corps, Save the Children, and World Vision. Youth and Sports USAID has awarded over 84 grants for youth and youth sports centers totaling over $4.5 million dollars. http://www.usaid.gov/press/factsheets/2004/fs040318.html Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Gawain 0 #32 November 20, 2005 QuoteOnce again they are on record, how many days before they do a 180? I give em less than a week. I can hear it now, "I voted for them to stay in Iraq when I wanted to vote for them to come home." Ala-John-Kerry-style. .....or some variation thereof. So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 2 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. 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Gawain 0 #29 November 19, 2005 QuoteQuoteThe "at least we're doing something" retort isn't a good response when that something has an un-achievable goal, and is responsible for an continually increasing loss of life and deficit. .jim More goals have been set and met than you care to see. It is laughable that you think you know enough about what is going on to make the "un-achievable goal" claim. What is going on is bigger than just Iraq if you look past the politics You couldn't possibly be talking about Libya, Lebanon, or elections in Egypt, Saudia Arabia, or the isolation of Iran and Syria. Those have absolutely nothing to do with their witnessing of two countries overthrown and rebuilding in record time. You wasklewy-wabbit...So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Channman 2 #30 November 19, 2005 Jenfly00 The vote was taken last night with well over 400 voting to stay the course with no US Retreat at the moment. 6 Dems voted present, did'nt have the courage to go on record, 3 Dems voted to Retreat with all remaining others voting to stay in the fight. The Dems may not be happy being put on the spot, but you have to be careful for what you ask for. Once again they are on record, how many days before they do a 180? I give em less than a week. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bodypilot90 0 #31 November 20, 2005 QuoteOK hotshot. You and the other flag wavers got us into this. What was your end game plan for getting us out? One way or the other, we are determined to deny Iraq the capacity to develop weapons of mass destruction and the missiles to deliver them. That is our bottom line." President Clinton, Feb. 4, 1998. "If Saddam rejects peace and we have to use force, our purpose is clear. We want to seriously diminish the threat posed by Iraq's weapons of mass destruction program." President Clinton, Feb. 17, 1998. "Iraq is a long way from [here], but what happens there matters a great deal here. For the risks that the leaders of a rogue state will use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons against us or our allies is the greatest security threat we face." Madeline Albright, Feb 18, 1998. "He will use those weapons of mass destruction again, as he has ten times since 1983." Sandy Berger, Clinton National Security Adviser, Feb, 18, 1998 "[W]e urge you, after consulting with Congress, and consistent with the U.S. Constitution and laws, to take necessary actions (including, if appropriate, air and missile strikes on suspect Iraqi sites) to respond effectively to the threat posed by Iraq's refusal to end its weapons of mass destruction programs." Letter to President Clinton, signed by Sens. Carl Levin, Tom Daschle, John Kerry, and others Oct. 9, 1998. "Saddam Hussein has been engaged in the development of weapons of mass destruction technology which is a threat to countries in the region and he has made a mockery of the weapons inspection process." Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D, CA), Dec. 16, 1998. "Hussein has ... chosen to spend his money on building weapons of mass destruction and palaces for his cronies." Madeline Albright, Clinton Secretary of State, Nov. 10, 1999. "There is no doubt that . Saddam Hussein has reinvigorated his weapons programs. Reports indicate that biological, chemical and nuclear programs continue apace and may be back to pre-Gulf War status. In addition, Saddam continues to redefine delivery systems and is doubtless using the cover of a licit missile program to develop longer-range missiles that will threaten the United States and our allies." Letter to President Bush, Signed by Sen. Bob Graham (D, FL,) and others, Dec, 5, 2001. "We begin with the common belief that Saddam Hussein is a tyrant and a threat to the peace and stability of the region. He has ignored the mandate of the United Nations and is building weapons of mass destruction and the means of delivering them." Sen. Carl Levin (d, MI), Sept. 19, 2002. "We know that he has stored secret supplies of biological and chemical weapons throughout his country." Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002. "Iraq's search for weapons of mass destruction has proven impossible to deter and we should assume that it will continue for as long as Saddam is in power." Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002. "We have known for many years that Saddam Hussein is seing and developing weapons of mass destruction." Sen. Ted Kennedy (D, MA), Sept. 27, 2002. "The last UN weapons inspectors left Iraq in October1998. We are confident that Saddam Hussein retains some stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons, and that he has since embarked on a crash course to build up his chemical and biological warfare capabilities. Intelligence reports indicate that he is seeking nuclear weapons..." Sen. Robert Byrd (D, WV), Oct. 3, 2002. "I will be voting to give the President of the United States the authority to use force — if necessary — to disarm Saddam Hussein because I believe that a deadly arsenal of weapons of mass destruction in his hands is a real and grave threat to our security." Sen. John F. Kerry (D, MA), Oct. 9, 2002. "There is unmistakable evidence that Saddam Hussein is working aggressively to develop nuclear weapons and will likely have nuclear weapons within the next five years . We also should remember we have alway s underestimated the progress Saddam has made in development of weapons of mass destruction." Sen. Jay Rockerfeller (D, WV), Oct 10, 2002, "He has systematically violated, over the course of the past 11 years, every significant UN resolution that has demanded that he disarm and destroy his chemical and biological weapons, and any nuclear capacity. This he has refused to do." Rep. Henry Waxman (D, CA), Oct. 10, 2002. "In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stock, his missile delivery capability, and his nuclear program. He has also given aid, comfort, and sanctuary to terrorists, including al Qaeda members. It is clear, however, that if left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capacity to wage biological and chemical warfare, and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons." Sen. Hillary Clinton (D, NY), Oct 10, 2002 "We are in possession of what I think to be compelling evidence that Saddam Hussein has, and has had for a number of years, a developing capacity for the production and storage of weapons of mass destruction. "[W]ithout question, we need to disarm Saddam Hussein. He is a brutal, murderous dictator, leading an oppressive regime ... He presents a particularly grievous threat because he is so consistently prone to miscalculation. And now he has continued deceit and his consistent grasp for weapons of mass destruction ... So the threat of Saddam Hussein with weapons of mass destruction is real ... Sen. John F. Kerry (D, MA), Jan. 23. 2003. NOW THE DEMOCRATS SAY PRESIDENT BUSH LIED, THAT THERE NEVER WERE ANY WMD'S AND HE TOOK US TO WAR FOR HIS OIL BUDDIES??? Right!!! QuoteUSAID Accomplishments in Iraq March 2003 to March 2004 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WASHINGTON, DC 20523 PRESS OFFICE http://www.usaid.gov Press: (202) 712-4320 Public Information: (202) 712-4810 2004-010 March 18, 2004 The U.S. government began planning its support for Iraqi humanitarian and reconstruction needs by deploying a multi-agency Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to assess the humanitarian situation and coordinate relief in Iraq. At the same time, members of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) technical staff deployed to Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and Cyprus to prepare for post-conflict reconstruction. Immediately following the conflict, USAID established offices in four Iraqi cities-Baghdad, Al Hillah, Arbil and Al Basrah. On May 2, 2003, USAID began directing more than $1.5 billion in assistance, including $2 million in initial food aid. Today, USAID reconstruction and humanitarian assistance is delivered through 45 grants and contracts to U.S. businesses and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), supporting programs in power, water, sanitation, local governance, health, education and nutrition. The USAID Mission in Iraq coordinates all programs with the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA). Total USAID assistance to Iraq in fiscal years (FYs) 2003 and 2004 is $3.2 billion as of March 17, 2004. Power Production A key component of CPA's efforts in Iraq is the rehabilitation and improvement of the power system. Restoring electricity to homes, public facilities and businesses is critical to the re-establishment of all facets of Iraqi society. In April, Iraq's electrical generation capacity was 1,275 MW-29 percent of the pre-conflict level. Power production peaked at 4,066 MW on March 11. Since the conflict, the CPA has worked to more than triple electrical generation to the pre-conflict generating level of 4,400 MW. A key component of CPA's efforts in Iraq is the rehabilitation and improvement of the power system. Restoring electricity to homes, public facilities, and businesses is critical to the reestablishment of all facets of Iraqi society. Decades of operation without regular maintenance and fuel shortages have severely hampered dependable production. USAID is adding 907 MW of capacity by summer of 2004 through maintenance rehabilitation and new generation projects. Total demand in Iraq is still estimated to be 7,000 MW, and although the overall security situation has improved-especially since the deployment of “power police†to guard sensitive lines-looting of cables, destruction of high-tension towers, and fuel line sabotage persist. Water and Sanitation Iraq has 13 major wastewater facilities. Baghdad's three facilities are currently inoperable and comprise three quarters of the nation's sewage treatment capacity. Raw waste flows directly into the Tigris River. In the rest of the country, most wastewater treatment facilities were only partly operational before the conflict, and a shortage of electricity, parts, and chemicals has exacerbated the situation and only a few wastewater treatment plants are operational. Iraq's 140 major water treatment facilities operate at about 65 percent of the pre-war level of three billion liters a day. In Baghdad, USAID is currently expanding one water treatment plant and rehabilitating three sewage treatment plants. The first of the sewage treatment plants will come on-line in April 2004. Water and sanitation projects through USAID will benefit over 14.5 million Iraqis. These efforts include specific programs to rehabilitate the entire Sweet Water Canal system, including the canal and its reservoirs, and 14 water treatment plants and pumping stations providing potable water to over 1.75 million people. In central Iraq, these projects include rehabilitating one water treatment plant and four sewage plants. In the north, USAID is rehabilitating two water treatment plants and one sewage plant, and in Al Basrah, USAID is working to rehabilitate water treatment plants and pump stations. Telephone Communications Before the conflict, 1.2 million Iraqis subscribed to landline telephone service, much of which was centralized in Baghdad. A large part of the network's switching component was damaged during the conflict and service was disrupted. USAID installed 13 new switches which were fully integrated with the 14 existing switches in Baghdad to assist in restarting landline phone service. As a result, as of March 9 104,680 subscribers to the Iraqi landline phone network were reconnected. In addition, a satellite gateway system was installed and restored international calling service to Iraq on December 30. In total, repairs to the national fiber optic network have connected or reconnected Baghdad to 20 other Iraqi cities, comprising 70 percent of the population. Ports, Bridges, and Rails At the end of the war, port facilities at Umm Qasr were incapable of unloading or docking any deep draft ships. Dredging operations were initiated and now all 21 berths are open to deep-draft ships. Renovation of grain-receiving facility allows the port to process up to 600 metric tons of grain an hour. Umm Qasr seaport reopened to commercial traffic June 17. The first passenger vessel test was completed July 16. Currently, more than 50 ships offload cargo at the port every month. More than 200,000 tons of grain has been unloaded since the first ship arrived in mid-November. The grain-receiving facilities maintenance and management have been turned over to the Iraqi Grain Board. Port tariffs were applied on June 20, 2003 and these funds contribute financial stability of the port operations. These port revenues continue to outgrow port operating costs. As part of the reconstruction effort three bridges were identified as priorities for rebuilding. These bridges are critical to maintaining highway links in Iraq and providing transportation of food, people, and fuel across the country. For example, repairs to the floating bridge over the Tigris River at Al Kut have improved traffic for over 50,000 travelers each day. The three bridges will be completed by May. In addition, 72 kilometers of rail tracks from Umm Qasr to Baghdad have been repaired. Airports As part of Bechtel's $1.03 billion contract, airports, seaports, roads, bridges, and railways are being rebuilt, allowing for the transport of humanitarian assistance, reconstruction material, and increased commerce. USAID partner Skylink has assessed three civilian airports in Iraq - in Baghdad, Al Basrah, and Mosul. More than 5,000 military and NGO flights processing 4,500 passengers have arrived at and departed from Baghdad International Airport since July. The work here includes completing the emergency infrastructure work at Baghdad International Airport for civil air operations. Education Before the 1990s, Iraq had one of the best education systems in the Middle East, with universal primary school enrollment and high rates of literacy among women. A decade later, tight central government control had resulted in buildings that were rarely if ever maintained, teachers who were poorly paid and ill-trained, and shortages of basic equipment and schoolbooks. School enrollment for all ages had declined precipitously. Because of the importance of education in the reconstruction of Iraq, including the need to re-establish Iraq's formerly high degree of literacy, USAID has rehabilitated 2,351 schools country-wide for the first term of the 2003-2004 school year; printed and distributed 8.7 million revised math and science textbooks for grades one through 12; trained over 32,000 teachers and education administrative workers; and distributed 1.4 million secondary school kits throughout the country. These efforts, combined with the retraining of teachers and the provision of desks and chairs, have resulted in children returning to school. Notably, in the USAID Accelerated Learning Program, female attendance has surpassed male attendance, and overall attendance during exam week was 97 percent. Health Health conditions in Iraq deteriorated substantially under Saddam Hussein. By 2003, almost a third of the children in southern and central Iraq suffered from malnutrition. Life expectancy is 58 years-low in comparison to the average for least developed countries of 65 years. USAID has partnered with UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Abt Associates to support health program in Iraq. Since the end of the war, USAID has vaccinated three million Iraqi children under the age of five, administered tetanus vaccine to more than 700,000 pregnant women, and by April 30, 2004 the USAID mission will have provided updated vaccinations to 90 percent of pregnant women and children under five years of age. Other efforts include equipping 600 facilities in seven target governorates to provide essential primary healthcare services, training more than 2,000 primary healthcare providers, and re-establishing the country's vital disease surveillance system. Mobile health teams working with the Ministry of Health have visited more than 2,000 families who do not have normal access to or have not visited primary health care facilities as well. Local Governance The government of Iraq is being rebuilt to reflect the will of the people. The Baathist regime isolated the Iraqi people from the rest of the world, set individual against individual, neighbor against neighbor, ethnic group against ethnic group, and religious group against religious group. The USAID local governance program has facilitated the formation of 392 neighborhoods, 192 sub districts, 78 districts, and 16 governorate councils, and has engaged directly or indirectly more than 20 million Iraqis in local government political processes. Baghdad's councils now represent all of Baghdad's 88 neighborhoods to city and district councils. Projects for Women USAID has over 147 development activities underway or completed which focus on women and children issues, including civil society development as well as initiatives to improve community based communications and advocacy capacity. Approximately 76 percent of the direct beneficiaries of these activities are women. USAID funding has contributed to starting and rehabilitating more than 17 women's centers, shelters, and associations and to provide resources and training to women's rights groups and mobile crisis intervention teams. Community Action Programs USAID has provided small, quick-impact grants to communities to address reconstruction needs at the local level. These programs provide the opportunity for Iraqis to direct and delegate efforts and encourage collaboration between Iraqi communities. The communities themselves have committed contributions of over $13 million, which is over 20 percent of the total project funding being provided. These contributions have come primarily in the form of labor, in-kind contributions, buildings, and land. These community grants are dispersed through a number of different programs, including the Health Strengthening Project, the Community Action Program (CAP), and the Local Governance Program. Through these efforts, USAID has committed $49.2 million to 1,360 projects that have benefited eight million people. CAP has established 664 community associations in 16 governorates. To date, USAID has disbursed approximately 850 grants to Iraqi NGOs. Quick Impact Projects USAID delivered 37 “ministries in a box†worth $3.9 million, including office equipment, desks, chairs and computers, to assist the Iraqi ministries re-open and begin working following the post-conflict looting. USAID rehabilitated 19 Governing Council outreach centers, 30 municipal government offices, three post offices, three public libraries and five Iraq property claims commission offices. These projects have provided funding to 48 non-governmental organizations, six human rights associations, and ten arts and cultural organizations. In addition, USAID has provided assistance to ten media organizations, funded numerous documentaries and films, provided nine grants to support materials promoting democratic themes, and disbursed 18 grants to support public opinion polling activities. Economic Governance USIAD assisted the CPA in creating more than 77,000 public works jobs through the National Employment Program. USAID, working through its partner BearingPoint, provided technical assistance on the implementation of a bank-to-bank payment system that allows 80 banks to send and receive payment instructions. USAID is also managing a $21 million micro-credit program. Agriculture USAID has awarded 11 grants totaling over $600,000 for a variety of agricultural programs including support for Winter Crop Technology Demonstrations, refurbishment of veterinary hospitals, and other support for the agricultural sector. The Marshlands USAID is focusing on ecosystem restoration and social and economic programs in the southern marshlands that were decimated under the rule of Saddam Hussein. A technical team from a coalition of international partners is assessing the social and economic conditions in the marshes and are designing a long-term strategy for economic and infrastructure development. Activities include surveys, pilot sites, hydrological modeling, sampling soil, and water and monitoring regeneration. Humanitarian and Emergency Assistance To date, USAID has provided more than $104 million in humanitarian assistance to Iraq for coordination, health, nutrition, logistics, shelter, non-food items, support to internally displaced people, and water and sanitation activities. This has been accomplished through ongoing cooperative agreements with NGOs such as the International Medical Corps, International Rescue Committee, CARE, Mercy Corps, Save the Children, and World Vision. Youth and Sports USAID has awarded over 84 grants for youth and youth sports centers totaling over $4.5 million dollars. http://www.usaid.gov/press/factsheets/2004/fs040318.html Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #32 November 20, 2005 QuoteOnce again they are on record, how many days before they do a 180? I give em less than a week. I can hear it now, "I voted for them to stay in Iraq when I wanted to vote for them to come home." Ala-John-Kerry-style. .....or some variation thereof. So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
