Iraq Development
From Yahoo News (AFP):The US civil administrator in Iraq (news - web sites) Paul Bremer announced steps to reinstate some former members of Saddam Hussein (news - web sites)'s disbanded Baath party in the new army, as well as in schools and universities.
Bremer made the announcement in a rare televised address to the nation that appeared aimed at rallying Iraqi support as the US-led coalition battles a dogged insurgency by both Sunni and Shiite Muslim militants.
Amid mounting concern over the poor performance of Iraqi security forces during recent attacks, the US overseer said more former members of Saddam's military would be allowed to join the ranks of the new army.
He also announced measures to speed up the reinstatement of thousands of teachers who lost their jobs because they were once Baathists, even though they were often forced to join the former dictator's party.
Matt's Chat
If there is to be a brave new world in Iraq, integration of former Baathists is going to be important. I thought they should never have been disregarded because lower level officials/soldiers/etc. weren't in it for Saddam and when it came to making a choice, they made the right one. If there folks can pass a background check and want to lend their expertise to the effort, I say let them.Mark's Remarks
This is one of those things that are necessary but not all good when rebuilding a nation. Patton did it in Germany, and MacArthur did it in Japan, bringing back former members of the old regime to help get a handle on things. However, as it was done in Germany and Japan, so it must be done here: make clear to these Baathists that the days of torture and such are over, that they will not have unending power ever again, that they will have to work through campaigning to get power, and do a good job. Otherwise, we just set up the domino to fall again. However, I do not believe that will happen. It did not in Germany or Japan, so history tells us this has some precedent that it will turn out in a positive way.
