Letter: U.S. presence in Iraq failing in transition

Tuesday, June 17, 2003 | 8:54 a.m.

The most obvious problem with Operation Iraqi Freedom is that it is failing its first test. Rather than being a nearly immaculate victory, the Iraq invasion is shaping up to be a costly, bloody long-term engagement. In recent weeks, the administration has announced that it will postpone -- most likely, for the indefinite future -- Iraq's transition to self-government. Indications are rife that Iraq, a nation with a Shiite Muslim majority, could succumb to Iranian-style revolutionary Islam.

Despite the country's abundant supplies of petroleum, Iraqis now confront long lines at gas pumps; so much for efforts to install a free market at the point of U.S. bayonets. Even as their nation is ravaged by looting and other forms of armed violence, some Iraqis are being required to turn in personal firearms to occupation authorities. Others face the prospect of having their firearms forcibly confiscated.

As a local construction worker explained to the Los Angeles Times: "They forced women and children to leave their houses. They violated the dignity and honor of our women. We won't accept this violation. The people will do more of this if the Americans come in here again. ... They showed no respect for our way of life."

Where do we go from here?

FRANK M. PELTESON