Jan. 11, 2007
GAO Submits Iraq Reports to Congress Prior to Bush Speech
by Jim Kouri
Special to HNN
As the United States reviews its plans to secure, stabilize, and
rebuild
Iraq, the Government Accountability Office submitted several reports
for
Congressional consideration in developing its oversight agenda for the
110th
Congress and analyzing the President's revised strategy for Iraq. On
Wednesday night, Jan. 10, 2007, President George W. Bush is expected to
reveal his new strategy in a televised speech to the American people.
These reports and papers are based on the continuing work of the GAO
and the
67 Iraq-related reports and testimonies they've provided to the US
Congress
since May 2003.
Iraq has had three successful elections, adopted a constitution, and
installed its first elected government. At the same time, since the
initial
ground offensive ended in 2003, the costs to secure and stabilize Iraq
have
grown substantially, as has the level of violence that afflicts Iraqi
society.
Such violence stems from an insurgency that has grown more complex and
lethal over the past 3 and 1/2 years and the Sunni-Shi'a conflict,
which
escalated dramatically in 2006. This instability complicates meaningful
political reconciliation among Iraq's religious and tribal groups,
reduces
the effectiveness of US and Iraqi reconstruction and capacity-building
efforts, and diminishes the hopes and expectations of an Iraqi people
without adequate jobs, water, fuel, and electricity.
Increasing Iraqi security forces and transferring security
responsibilities
to them have not resulted in reduced violence. Rather, attacks
increased
throughout 2006. Although more Iraqi troops have been trained and
equipped,
high absenteeism and divided loyalties have limited their overall
effectiveness.
At the same time, US service members are working with great courage and
diligence to perform the roles the President has asked of them.
Notwithstanding their noble efforts, the US military has sustained what
are
considered by many to be significant casualties.
In addition, wear and tear on military equipment and growing
replacement
costs have risen substantially. The resulting stress and strain on
American
forces have reduced troop readiness levels and the availability of
reserve
personnel. The US rebuilding effort in Iraq has focused on helping the
Iraqi
government establish a sound economy with the capacity to deliver
essential
services. Although Iraq's economy has grown and US efforts have helped
restore portions of Iraq's infrastructure, the poor security
environment and
mismanagement have diminished the overall results of US investments.
Iraq will need US and international support, including political and
economic incentives, to strengthen its fragile government institutions,
which have thus far failed to adequately deter corruption, stimulate
employment, or deliver essential services.
The GAO reports to Congress discuss these issues and other critical
challenges that the United States and its allies face in the ongoing
struggle to help the Iraqis stabilize, secure, and rebuild Iraq.
Congress and the American people need complete and transparent
information
on the progress made toward achieving US security, economic, and
diplomatic
goals in Iraq to reasonably judge past efforts and determine future
directions. It is also important that the US government account for the
funds that it expended on behalf of the Iraqi government through the
Development Fund for Iraq.
Sources: Government Accountability Office, US Congress, US Department
of
Defense, National Security Institute