Iraq and Afghanistan

Some of the best news about Iraq in quite a while comes from reports of the increasing willingness of the world as a whole to accept some of the American “burden”. First, the Americans have managed to convince major world powers as well as neighboring Arab states to agree to a reduction in the Iraq debt by as much as 80%. this includes Russia, France, and Germany. Next, a major conference at the foreign minister level is being held at an Egyptian resort to discuss alternatives for Iraq. This includes many of the Arab states, Iran, the principal Europeans, Powell from the United States, and Annan from the United Nations. The interim Iraqi government is also involved. Whatever the outcome, and the objectives appear to be modest, the exercise gives a much needed expression of support for the legitimacy of both the actions of the United States, the interim Iraqi regime, and the upcoming elections. So far the only difference that has developed is one on whether the elections should be followed by a withdrawal of American forces that is announced before the elections. The Iraqi government, the Egyptians and the U.S. argued that we must wait until after security is established, but most of the other participants were for the idea.