09 May 2003
Rumsfeld Says Hard Work Ahead in Iraq's Transition to Freedom
(Defense secretary, General Franks discuss progress being made) (680) By Jacquelyn S. Porth Washington File Security Affairs Writer Washington -- On the 51st day of "Operation Iraqi Freedom" Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and the U.S. Central Command Commander Tommy Franks noted that much work remains to successfully implement Iraq's transition from dictatorship to free government. General Franks told reporters at the Pentagon May 9 that completing the transition away from a form of government that was imposed by Saddam Hussein will take time but "is worth the effort." Rumsfeld said "the reality is that it is a very difficult transition from despotism and repression to a freer system." Iraq does not have a history of a representative or democratic system of government, the secretary added, so moving it in that direction will require time and patience. Franks said there are many variables associated with Iraq's transition, but the country's "best days are yet to come." In the meantime, progress is measured by the fact that the Iraqi people are no longer living in fear of the former regime, the nation's oil fields have been secured, and children are going back to school because coalition forces have removed hundreds of tons of munitions and weapons, not only from schools but also from mosques and hospitals. Rumsfeld also emphasized that the United States is not dividing Iraq up into three sectors, as some press reports have suggested. "We're not," he emphasized: "It's a whole country." Rumsfeld and Franks were questioned about the security situation in Iraq and problems with delivering essential services. The secretary said U.S. and coalition forces evaluate the situation daily in some 27 cities across Iraq, grade them on the availability of flowing water and electricity, and categorize their security status as worse, unchanged, or improving. As of May 9, Rumsfeld, said no Iraqi cities are categorized as worse than at the start of the conflict. Franks noted that there were many disasters that could have occurred in Iraq but did not. For example, he said, there were no masses of displaced refugees, Iraq's oil infrastructure was not destroyed, and weapons of mass destruction were not targeted against neighboring countries. Almost two months after the military campaign was launched by President Bush, the general said, stability in the Red Sea region and among Iraq's Persian Gulf neighbors "is as good as it was" the day the operation began. Asked about looting in the oil fields, Franks acknowledged that parts, such as valves and fittings, have been pilfered. The general said efforts are under way to overcome the looting that occurred. But he also said progress is hampered by the systematic neglect of Iraq's oil industry for many, many years. On the length of time U.S. forces are likely to stay in Iraq, Rumsfeld said the United States is prepared to keep any number of its troops there as long as needed to ensure stability. Franks said providing security for Iraq is critical to everything else that must be done there. The secretary said the duration of the assignment is not really knowable and the size of the U.S. force depends on the number of nations that send personnel to Iraq. Already, he said, a large number of nations have "stepped up to the plate," and he suggested more information about this would be forthcoming in a few weeks. Rumsfeld was also asked about the future configuration of U.S. forces around the world. He indicated that the requirements of a 21st century force, the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States, and recent military actions in Afghanistan and Iraq have brought significant changes that may require organizing the military force structure in a different fashion. The secretary said he has asked all his commanders to examine how U.S. and allied military forces are currently arrayed, and he indicated that there would be adjustments in every area of regional responsibility. The U.S. will work with its allies, he said, to be sure that forces are arranged appropriately for the future. (The Washington File is a product of the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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