Dean Calls For UN Role In IraqAugust 14, 2003I am deeply disappointed by the Bush Administration's refusal to seek a role for the UN and the assistance of our traditional allies in the rebuilding of post-war Iraq. With this short-sighted policy, the administration is putting ideology ahead of the best interests of the United States. For several months, I have called on the Administration to seek the assistance and cooperation of the United Nations and the international community. Despite the Administration's rosy assessment of the situation, the violence is 'as bad as everyone thinks' and the situation is growing increasingly dire. Every day, we learn that more American soldiers have been attacked, wounded and killed. 129 soldiers have lost their lives since President Bush landed on the USS Abraham Lincoln to declare hostilities at an end. Our unilateral occupation of Iraq is costing $1 billion a week, yet, at a time of historic budget deficits, the Administration is still not leveling with the American people about the long-term costs of occupying and rebuilding Iraq. And, our ongoing refusal to work with the rest of the world continues to damage our credibility and standing as a world leader, while focusing the wrath of those who peddle hatred and terror exclusively on us. I call on the President to put the best interests of the United States ahead of a narrow unilateralist ideology and seek the full partnership and engagement of the UN and the world community in the critical work of rebuilding post-war Iraq. Dean For America
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