It’s gratifying that pouring tens of billions of dollars into Iraq every month is having such positive effects. From an AP article today:
Power supplies in Baghdad have been sporadic all summer and now are down to just a few hours a day, if that. The water supply in the capital has also been severely curtailed by power blackouts and cuts that have affected pumping and filtration stations.
Sewage is seeping above ground in nearly half the provincial capital because pump trucks used to clean septic tanks have been unable to operate due to gasoline shortages. The sewage is causing a health threat to citizens and contaminating crops in the region.
The electricity problems come as leaders are trying to deal with a political crisis that erupted when the country’s largest bloc of Sunni political parties withdrew from the government.
Wow. So Iraqis have no power, no running water, no waste treatment, and their government is collapsing.
But wait! It’s time for our fearless leader to step into the fray with decisive leadership:
Well, stick me in an oil pipeline and blow me up, that’s a shrewd and brilliant move by Bush. I’m sure the Iraqi leadership didn’t think of trying to preserve their government.
I predict a solemn address from Bush to the American people, urging us to “stay the course” and remember that “the surge is working” and how wonderful the Iraqi democracy is turning out to be. He’ll probably throw in a few remarks about “terrists” and how they’re ruining all of his plans.
When, oh when, will those in command see that it’s just not working?