Criticism of Obama as not being forceful enough in trying to shape the outcome of Iraqi elections is misguided. Some critics are arrogant and ignorant at the same time. Openly espousing certain outcomes would be bound to fan resentment and even more anti-American feeling in Iraq. Even behind the scenes arm twisting may be dangerous. Sometimes Americans do not seem to realize they may be powerless to force the outcome they want. The Obama administration is probably doing exactly the right sort of action but critics should realize that such action simply may not be successful. Maliki should be stopped and the U.S. should try to help those who are working to stop him but there is no guarantee of success. This is from the cable.
Posted By Josh Rogin
The Obama administration has been actively, but quietly working with both sides in the Iraqi elections controversy, which is getting ugly over in Baghdad.
There's a lot of criticism in Washington today of the Obama team's approach to the aftermath of the Iraqi national elections last month. Leading conservatives are accusing the administration of taking too much of a hands-off approach as Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki works to get enough candidates disqualified to turn the tide toward his State of Law list and away from the Iraqi List led by former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi.
"The United States might be about to lose an opportunity for success in Iraq by tolerating a highly sectarian, politicized move to overturn Iraq's election results," scholars Frederick and Kimberly Kagan wrote in Friday's Washington Post. "Washington must act swiftly to defend the integrity of the electoral process and support Iraqi leaders' tentative efforts to rein in the ‘de-Baathification' commission that threatens to undermine the entire democratic process ... Staying silent is not the same as remaining neutral."
Administration officials maintain that this is exactly what it is doing, even if the public can't see it.
"The administration has been deeply engaged in this process from the beginning, at every level, with Ambassador [Christopher] Hill, General [Raymond] Odierno, the vice president, and others frequently making our views known and offering our assistance where appropriate," one senior administration official told The Cable, noting that Vice President Joseph Biden has been in regular contact with Iraqi leaders since the election.
The administration's effort is about process, being careful not to openly criticize either side but still setting down some clear definitions about what a fair process should look like.
"As we've said all along, it is for Iraqis to decide these matters," the official said. "But it is imperative for the credibility of the elections and of the election certification process... that the procedures be fair and transparent. It is also imperative that every vote count and no Iraqi be disenfranchised."
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