World balks at growing Iraq perils

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/0825/p01s02-usfp.html

Other nations hesitate about sending peacekeepers because of concerns about a growing guerrilla war.

By Howard LaFranchi | Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor

WASHINGTON – Whether the American request for more international involvement in Iraq is granted is seen to hinge on US willingness to give up some measure of control in postwar operations to the United Nations. Yet for countries that may send troops to Iraq, the question of a broader UN mandate is not the only qualm holding them up.

Although before the war countries balked at what they believed would be opening the door to a muscle-flexing America, now concerns are growing that the postwar stage is turning into the beginning of a guerrilla war with global terrorists. Signs are multiplying that anyone associated with the occupation will be targeted, as last week's bombing of the UN building in Baghdad and Saturday's deadly attack on British forces in Basra suggest. With this in mind, countries are reluctant to sign on to something that is still seen too much as America's war and not enough of a campaign to help Iraqis.

"People feel Iraq is a mess that could still go either way, and that explains to a great extent the reluctance to send soldiers," says Radwan Masmoudi, president of the Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy in Washington.

"Iraq could be the best country in the Middle East, with a democracy that gives its citizens a sense of progress, or it could be the worst country, with more violence, terrorism, and increasing anarchy," says Mr. Masmoudi.

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[donco6]

1. Gasp! People won't join us in the quagmire!

I'm shocked, I tell you, SHOCKED!

[ClintonTyree]

2. This is expected...................

the Chimp in charge raced into this war without regard to world opinion, now he want's the rest of the world to help clean up his mess? Bush squandered any goodwill that was offered the U.S. after 9/11 by being a spoiled brat. Now our soldiers are being murdered everyday because of HIS actions. Nobody will help us now, we're on our own. The blood of those soldiers is on Bush's hands, and I hope it haunts him until the grave.

[Cha]

3. The way understand it...sociopaths don't have consciences!

So he will probably just get some really bad karma.

[Pastiche423]

4. I hope that Karma hurries up!