U.S. Officials Say Iraq Gripped By Fear

[Leo 9]

Source: CBS NEWS

U.S. Officials Say Iraq Gripped By Fear

U.S. Officials Say Iraq Is Gripped By Fear And Struggling To Meet Security, Political Goals


WASHINGTON, Jul. 19, 2007
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(AP)

(AP) Iraq is a nation gripped by fear and struggling to meet security and political goals by September, U.S. officials said Thursday from Baghdad, dashing hopes in Congress that the country might turn a corner this summer. One general said not to expect a solid judgment on the U.S. troop buildup until November.

"If there is one word, I would use to sum up the atmosphere in Iraq _ on the streets, in the countryside, in the neighborhoods and at the national level _ that word would be 'fear,'" Ryan Crocker, the U.S. ambassador, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

"For Iraq to move forward at any level, that fear is going to have to be replaced with some level of trust and confidence and that is what the effort at the national level is about," he said by video link from the Iraqi capital.

In briefings to the news media as well as members of Congress, officials warned that making those strides could take more time than first thought.

Most lawmakers have hoped Iraq would show more signs of stability this summer, long before the 2008 U.S. elections.

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http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/07/19/ap/politics/main3078287.shtml

Read more: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/07/19/ap/politics/main3078287.shtml

[GeorgeGist]

1. That's all US 'Officials' ...

have to sell ... faithless twits.

[Algorem]

2. code language to Bush's fanatic krakpot kristian base?

"For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of wisdom." II Timothy 1-7.("you know we can't help this non-Christian mess over here,they need to accept Jesus as their personal savior first")

[katsy]

3. Iraq's gov't doesn't seen to fear taking a vacation.

That pix of burning US/UK flags is conveying more anger than fear.

Wonder why... not.

[sutz12]

4. I'm kind of wondering if they will ever come back....nt

[katsy]

5. Good point.

And would it matter?

[annabanana]

6. The "Iraqi" government that we've been propping up was NEVER

legitimate. It has always been our creature, and it is guaranteed to collapse into various militias when we leave. All those purple fingers were because the local Sheiks told the people to vote, so the Americans would leave

We have armed all sides.