Bush Signs Order Giving State Lead Role in Iraq

[Quetzal]

Bush Signs Order Giving State Lead Role in Iraq

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The State Department will take over the lead role for most U.S. operations in Iraq from the Pentagon after the transfer of sovereignty on June 30, according to an order signed by President Bush this week.

The executive order, called a national security presidential directive, was signed by the president on Tuesday but has not yet been released publicly, government sources who have seen the document said on Thursday.

Officials said the order seemed to put to rest a power struggle between the State Department and the Pentagon over who should lead U.S. government operations in Iraq after June 30 when the Coalition Provisional Authority ceases to exist and limited powers are given to the Iraqis.

The order said when the CPA's role ended, the United States would be represented in Iraq by a chief of mission under the guidance of the State Department who would be responsible for the direction, coordination and supervision of all U.S. government employees, policies and activities in the country.

more...

http://news.findlaw.com/news/s/20040514/iraqbushorderdc.html

[maddezmom]

1. might sound like a victory for Powell, but not much changes

<<However, the order specified that State Department control did not cover employees under military command or those seconded to an international organization.

The document gave continued authority to U.S. Central Command for military actions but said Secretary of State Colin Powell would be responsible for the supervision and general direction of all assistance for Iraq.

The U.S. military would also coordinate efforts for equipping Iraqi security forces and at the appropriate time, the secretaries of State and Defense would jointly decide when military functions should be transferred to the appropriate security organizations.>>

[truthisfreedom]

2. powell schmowell. bush has lost control of the military, and he's scared.

that's the only reason he did this.

[Disturbed]

3. This action

has been in the planning stages for many months. The main person in charge will be Embassy Head Negroponte. Bremmer was scheduled to leave on June 30th many months ago.

I don't think Iraqis will accept this limited sovereignty.

[bemildred]

4. Seems more in the nature of continuing to pretend to be in control. nt

[yellowcanine]

5. Too little too late - another example of Shrub trying to mold reality

according to what he wants to happen - AKA wishful thinking.

Saying the Iraqis will govern their country after June 30 is not going to make it happen.