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PENTAGON: IRAQ'S NO DISASTER
THE ISSUE: Conditions in Iraq after the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime.
The New York Post, May 25, 2003

Jonathan Foreman ("Disaster in Waiting," Opinion, May 16) is sloppy about his facts. Besides misspelling Margaret Tutwiler's name, he bases his bold assertions solely on interviews with two junior soldiers.

The fact is that life has already improved for most Iraqis. Shi'a are able to honor their religious traditions for the first time in decades. Town councils and local politicians are meeting openly and freely selecting leaders. Water and electricity are being restored, and civil servants are returning to work. The U.N. mission has agreed that the U.N. will use oil-for-food funds to purchase the Iraqi cereal crop which is already being harvested and will give income to Iraqi farmers.

We are empowering responsible, decent Iraqis who are technically competent to help restore essential services and repair infrastructure. The Iraqi people, now free from Saddam's terror, can look forward to a new beginning. The U.S. and coalition are working hard to improve security throughout Iraq.

But before assigning blame for problems, it is important to remember that Saddam's regime created the conditions for lawlessness. Before his reign ended, he released 100,000 prisoners - some political but some violent criminals - onto the streets. Many of these people need to be put back in jail.

After decades of oppression, Iraqis are in the process of building a stable and secure government. Coalition administrators are meeting with and seeking input from Iraqis of many backgrounds in order to build a peaceful and prosperous nation. Victoria Clarke, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs