Juan Cole Asks What If America Were Like Iraq

by Mary

Juan Cole was not impressed with Bush's statement before the UN that the Iraqis are refuting pessimists and really, things are coming along fine in Iraq. So he asks If America were Iraq, What would it be Like??

What if the grounds of the White House and the government buildings near the Mall were constantly taking mortar fire? What if almost nobody in the State Department at Foggy Bottom, the White House, or the Pentagon dared venture out of their buildings, and considered it dangerous to go over to Crystal City or Alexandria?

What if all the reporters for all the major television and print media were trapped in five-star hotels in Washington, DC and New York, unable to move more than a few blocks safely, and dependent on stringers to know what was happening in Oklahoma City and St. Louis? What if the only time they ventured into the Midwest was if they could be embedded in Army or National Guard units?

It is a remarkable essay, and everyone should read it all if they really want to understand the chaos that is Iraq and how deep in denial Bush is when he says things are improving in Iraq.