For several years now we have been told, first by the Bush administration and now by the Obama administration, the “surge worked.” Soon we would be able bring our troops and advisors home, leaving a functioning rebuilt nation behind us, the result of our effort, resolve, taxpayer dollars and American lives. Yes, it is true that casualties, particularly American casualties, have been reduced and that internal security has improved. But, the nation we leave behind is another story.
Following recent electric power cuts and bloody riots in the streets, Iraq’s Electricity Minister, Karim Waheed, resigned today. In Basra, two protesters were killed and unreported numbers injured in rioting. In Nassiriya fourteen police were wounded as citizens took to the streets to protest the inability of the government to provide basic services, most notably electricity. Nationwide, electricity is limited to a few hours a day as Iraq approaches mid-summer when temperatures can reach 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
In areas of Baghdad electric service is limited to two hours a day. Citizens are not permitted to run air conditioning even during the two hour period. Small fans are allowed. Those with sufficient means can purchase additional electricity from private generators at steep prices. But, even those with the purchasing power to buy more electricity get only an additional eight hours or so a day. Outside the major cities even that option is unavailable.
Despite U. S. and Iraqi government promises to rebuild the country’s infrastructure, electric generation in Iraq suffers from years of neglect. Its grid remains antiquated. The system generates power at only two thirds of its inadequate capacity. Does anyone other than me remember the discussions shortly after the invasion of how we would rebuild Iraq’s grid and replace ill-fitted Soviet era generating plants? What about those oil revenues that were to be used to fund rebuilding? Two major contracts, only recently inked by the outgoing government with Royal Dutch Shell and BP, have yet to produce the revenues expected.
And, the resigning Electricity Minister may not be permanently replaced any time soon. Since March 7, when Iraq held its national elections, no government has been formed. Parties continue to squabble over who will hold the post of prime minister and other cabinet positions. Sunni insurgents have taken advantage of the government stalemate with a resultant uptick in bombings, kidnappings and other acts of violence. And, Al Qaeda is back in the picture, taking responsibility for an attack on the Central Bank.
It’s been seven years, countless promises and hundreds of billions of dollars. Our plan is to declare success and leave. Depends on how you measure success.
For more, see this report from Reuters or listen to NPR’s account.
Cross posted at Elijah’s Sweete Spot.
Contributor, aka tidbits. Retired attorney in complex litigation, death penalty defense and constitutional law. Former Nat’l Board Chair: Alzheimer’s Association. Served on multiple political campaigns, including two for U.S. Senator Mark O. Hatfield (R-OR). Contributing author to three legal books and multiple legal publications.