Times Of India: Jimmy Carter - Iraq Invasion A "Terrible Mistake" By Bush

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http://www.forbes.com/home/feeds/ap/2006/10/27/ap3124963.html

Iraq invasion a terrible mistake by Bush: Carter
27 Oct, 2006 2017hrs ISTPTI

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NEW DELHI: The Bush administration's policy on Iraq came under severe attack from former President Jimmy Carter who termed the US "invasion" in that country as a "terrible mistake".

On a visit here, he said the US government should fulfil its commitment to withdraw from Iraq although not immediately and suggested that a conference of nations concerned with the future of the Arab country be called to discuss the matter. "It was a terrible mistake," Carter told a select group of reporters here when referred to the US action in Iraq.

The "invasion" on Iraq interrupted the global campaign against terrorism started rightly in Afghanistan, said Carter who is here in connection with a project to build houses for poor in Maharashtra. The "erroneous" decision to go into Iraq had made the US allies to say that threat to them has increased and not decreased after the action in the Iraq, he said.

After 9/11, he said the US did the right thing by getting into Afghanistan to root out Al Qaeda and Taliban, in an effort to address the international community's concerns with regard to global terrorism. But by going into Iraq, the US lost support, he said, adding the experience has taught a lesson that the US cannot impose its system and policies on any country. On the suggestions for US pullout from Iraq, he said he did "not think immediate withdrawal will be advisable" although he would want to see Washington fulfil its commitment to get out.