Rejection of Iraqi Flag Symbolic of Administration's Ineptitude in Iraq

Iraqis apparently hate their new flag. Rather than letting the people determine their own national emblem, the American dominated Iraqi Governing Council unveiled the new flag – in the same blue color as the flag of Israel rather than the traditional colors of other Arab states – to massive public disapproval. This seemingly inconsequential act speaks volumes about how the Bush administration has utterly failed to win the hearts and minds of ordinary Iraqis.

• The Bush administration still has no plan for long term stability and democracy in Iraq. More than one year after our invasion, and only 64 days until the transfer of sovereignty to Iraq, the Bush administration has no viable framework for democracy in Iraq and does not know who will take control in July.

• The failure to plan adequately has undermined Iraqi confidence in the intentions of American forces and governing officials. American troops continue to face a rising nationalist insurgency in Iraq as more and more ordinary Iraqis view the United States as an occupier. Instead of being greeted as liberators, as President Bush promised, our troops and officials are now targets for increased anger and hatred of American intentions. Little will change after June 30 unless the Bush administration seriously revises its approach.

• The United Nations and world community must be brought in immediately to provide greater legitimacy to the rebuilding process. President Bush went to war unilaterally and is now trying to rebuild Iraq in the same manner. As the flag debacle highlights, ordinary Iraqis will never accept actions that are perceived to be imposed by American occupiers. Broader international involvement can both spread the burden of Iraq's reconstruction and restore lost trust among Iraq's citizens.

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