In Iraq

Shiite Militia Marches in Iraq to Back Cleric Critical of U.S. Reuters reports a huge demonstration against the occupation in Baghdad. Shi'ia cleric Sadr will be a major power broker, along with Sistani. Does anyone recall the administration saying that our policy in Iraq would be to ultimately lay the groundwork for an Islamic state? I don't think so.

And, given the security situation, how can anyone believe that reconstruction can take place? Contracts let for project are little more than sop for the corporations whose former officials occupy places in the Executive Branch. While on that subject, the killings of the four private security officials in Fallujah underscore a troubling trend that both Kos and Steve Gilliard have commented on: no one like to see people being killed--and, as for me, Iraqi deaths are as troubling as US deaths--but these contracted former military officers are basically in a situation that is no different being a mercenary. With salaries of up to $1,000 a day, they make more in 24 hours than many regular soldiers earn in a month. It is simply unfair to order regular soldiers to place themselves in such a dangerous situation when their compensation is so poor. For that matter, why are the privateers there in the first place? It is up to the United States to provide security as an occupying force, and it should be provided by regular troops. Privitization of military is simply unacceptable.

Whether or not Bush is re-elected, Iraq will be his downfall.