U.S. says open to changing Iraqi mandate (Say hello to the UN)

[NNN0LHI]

You know we are in deep stuff when you see this.

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N18275090.htm

WASHINGTON, July 18 (Reuters) - The United States is open to giving the United Nations a bigger role in Iraq, especially if other governments respond by offering more to peace-keeping and reconstruction, the State Department said on Friday.

"We're open to this prospect. We're indeed talking about it with other people, but at this point I can't draw to a conclusion," spokesman Richard Boucher told a briefing.

India and Russia have suggested they might consider contributing troops to help U.S. forces in Iraq if the United Nations adjusts the current system, which gives the United States and Britain the dominant role in post-war Iraq.

France, which had previously said it could not help under current circumstances, said it could look at supporting a peace force if the United Nations had a central role.

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[goforit]

1. They can start by amitting their mistake a taking responsibility!

I do believe I'm dreaming!!!

[AnnabelLee]

2. I would hope

that the UN will not agree to do anything unless bushco gives up the oil revenues, so they can be administered for the benefit of the Iraqis.

[Guaranteed]

3. My be a good investment...

...if he wants to be re-elected (God forbid).
Imagine a year from now, how our troops and fellow Americans are going to feel about this if we're still over there alone....

[Guaranteed]

4. Err MIGHT be a good investment ;) n/t

[indictrichardperle]

6. I read a story at CounterPunch

today, which predicts the US will ask for The UN to come into Iraq, to free up troops for the future invasion of Iran.

I do believe that is very plausible, i also think Junior's anemic poll numbers, the near-mutiny in our abused troops, and the horrible quagmire have made this inevitable. I think Junior is going to give up a huge chunk of the loot, while trying to hang on to "some" oil concessions. Bechtel will kepp a portion of their contracts, Halliburton may be screwed , as Sneering Dick is going to probably resign.

[nadinbrzezinski]

5. One of the demands probably is

for certain companies to loose their role, couhg
Halliburton, cough.

Some people's resignations will be demanded....

Rumsfelf, Bolton, Wolfowitz, Bremmer.

We are footing quite a bit of that bill.

Oh and a major mea culpa...

Now I am almost betting that may be on the table..
Oh and chenney's head on a stick.

Will the Neo Cons do this?

Wake me up when Bush is out.

[NNN0LHI]

7. This story should go with this one

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N18227584.htm

UN claims broad role in Iraq, chides US on safety

UNITED NATIONS, July 18 (Reuters) - U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan spelled out on Friday a broad and ambitious plan for a U.N. role in Iraq and prodded Britain and the United States to quickly establish order and let Iraqis control their future.

In a report covering the first few weeks of U.N. activity in post-war Iraq, Annan stressed that restoring security and Iraqi sovereignty should be the top goals for Iraq's U.S.-British military government. snip

The people they spoke with "expressed deep concern about the precarious, some believed deteriorating, security situation, particularly in Baghdad," he said.

"One group after another presented long lists of grievances, expectations and demands on the part of the Iraqi people. Daily living conditions have not improved, at least not for those living in urban areas, and may have got worse," the report said.

Continued looting and what appeared to be the emergence of organized sabotage "pose a significant threat to the restoration of basic services. In addition, the large illegal trade in oil and fuel directly affects the access of Iraqis to these vital supplies, as well as their perception of progress in the current environment," Annan said.

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[Erika]

10. Not To Distract But

We can't afford to continue to pay for this war alone. Bush may have started it but as Dean said now we are stuck there for humanitarian purposes. Bush's big buddy corporate friends have already made a big killing so they'll be neutral on the issue. For the U.S. taxpayers who are footing the bill and losing lives, yes we need the U.N. May Bush learn a valuable lesson about the U.N. in all this. It's too late, of course, to bring back the lost American lives.

[CHIMO]

8. Hard to Visualize

Can not see the UN working under the US and great Britain.

Anything is possible but if this was implemented then one could see a lot of countries retreating from support of the UN. Granted this would be a Bush win but can't see it.

The UN does not consist only of the security council.

In short, don't see it happening unless the UN takes over with US dollars to implement.

[NYC]

9. U.S. must relinquish its claim to the oil.

Otherwise, the United Nations and other countries would be "peacekeeping" for American corporations.

[Neutrino]

11. U.S. might just as well give up on the Oil--because

very little is flowing, and it's going to stay that way. You
can't police miles and miles of pipeline, particularly when
the oil belongs to the Iraqi people.

Sorry, Mr. Cheney. You may now return to your secret underground
location--and stay there.

[CHIMO]

12. Who Would Walk Into

This?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-2923632,00.html

Questions Mount About Iraqi Resistance

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - As American casualties mount in Iraq, so do questions about who is behind the guerrilla campaign. The list of suspects, which already includes Saddam Hussein loyalists, freelance Arab fighters and Iraqis angered by the U.S. occupation, is growing each day.

[leftchick]

15. well jeekies that is not what my tv tells me...

I saw yesterday while flipping between CNN and MSRNC they are still refering to any attacks on soldiers as being done by "Saddam loyalists". Totally ignoring that fact that the whole freaking country probably wants the invaders out. Those whores will never change.

[umcwb]

13. Kick, n/t

[0007]

14. Didn't the 'ol cow hand from the Rio Grand say?

"we'll go it a lone, America gotta do what's right" cough, cough

[revcarol]

16. Nice the prez is listening to DK's advice:

A UN peacekeeping force with minor participation by us.US NOT to depelete forces UNTIL this in place.

Now if he would take the rest: humanitarian services by NGO's together with IRAQUIS,Iraqis to OWN THE OIL and DETERMINE WHAT HAPPENS TO IT(anyone think the U. S.would get 90%?), and IRAQIS to own THE WATER.

WATER is the kicker here.DK said Iraq and her neighbors must decide about the WATER!!