Problems, Problems

Breakdown of law and order, guerilla efforts, smashed infrastructure, multiple currencies, and deep factionalism are just a few of the problems currently plaguing the American-led coalition in Iraq. Many parts of the country, including Baghdad, are still anarchic, says this article from The Economist. The coalition was taken aback by the speed with which Iraqi forces melted away, and was thus slow to fill the vacuum left by fleeing soldiers and police. The chaos has been so problematic that the coalition’s leader, Paul Bremer, has decided to concentrate on law and order rather than democracy. Also taking priority has been the Iraqi economy. While American funds are rapidly entering into the Iraqi economy, multiple currencies and weak banking infrastructure have become seriously destabilizing. Also, while oil production is progressing, it will by no measure cover the cost of the country’s reconstruction and previous debts. Although there are indeed a few bright spots, such as the prevention of a humanitarian crisis right after the war’s end, if the coalition is to achieve its stated war goals it must be ready to commit more troops, funds, and planning to Iraq’s occupation. –YaleGlobal