FREDO VS. REALITY

FREDO 10/17/2007:

THE PRESIDENT: You know, look, I admire General Sanchez's service to the Country. I appreciate his service to the country. The situation on the ground has changed quite dramatically since he left Iraq. The security situation is changing dramatically. The reconciliation that's taking place is
changing. The economy is getting better. And so I -- I'm pleased with the progress we're making.

REALITY:

Report cites hurdles to Iraq reconstruction
By Matt Kelley, USA TODAY
10/18/2007

WASHINGTON — The 10 U.S.-sponsored regional reconstruction teams in Iraq are making "incremental progress" in improving the country's government and infrastructure, but they are struggling against widespread violence and sectarian divisions, according to a government watchdog's report to be released today.

The report from the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR) says U.S.-led efforts to improve local Iraqi governments are challenged by corrupt police, continued violence and crumbling infrastructure.

•Many reconstruction officials view lawlessness as their biggest problem. Most Iraqis view police as corrupt and infiltrated by sectarian militias, and the courts are "often unable or unwilling to hear cases because of inadequate security."

•Iraq's provincial governments can't maintain their infrastructure, such as roads and water systems, and they aren't budgeting money to maintain U.S.-funded projects once they're complete.

•There has been little progress in reconciliation efforts outside Sunni-dominated Anbar province, where tribal leaders have united with U.S. forces against al-Qaeda.

•Continued violence makes economic development difficult, since there is little Iraqi or foreign investment, and transporting goods to markets is dangerous.