Who is Ahmad Chalabi?

The Department of Defense is going to back this guy by what
means? The Department of Defense has only one enforcement
arm. (I don't doubt it but I have not read that DoD backs him, Rumsfeld gave him tacit support)

jason, well said ... people are missing the point that Iraqi democracy will be bigger than one man and the INC is bigger than one man.

The INC is the main legitimate opposition group to Saddam, and the pathetic reporters and State and others who are ignoring these groups are missing the point: these are indeed pro-democracy groups and must be the starting point for Iraqi democracy.

If Chalabi has spots, flaws, etc. the Iraqi people will be the ones to care about it or not. he will be *their* politician, not *ours*. It is far *more* critical to create a govt that is free and limited in scope so it cant be socialized corrupted or looted, than to care who will run it. Hoepfully they will have American-style constitution and a bill of rights, and will quickly make clear the respect for minority groups and individuals and respect for property that is vital to having a govt resistent to tyrants and kleptocrats.

We in the US have to take our own intentions seriously: Iraq government of and for the Iraqis.

It's unfortunate but we will be in Iraq for awhile. Chalabi will be given plenty of opportunity to prove himself and show how well he works with others. But my early impression is that he is tainted. This piece from the JP reads like apress release.
After our experience in Iran, the US must take the greatest pains to birth a government in Iraq that offers a real lasting democracy to the Iraqi people. We must do it as quickly as possible but doing it well is more important than doing it quickly.
As Reagan was fond of saying, "Trust, but verify." Or something to that effect.

Chalabi is definately not the state department's guy.

Which is possibly the best thing you can say about Chalabi. The State Department has been at odds with the Bush Administration since day one. They are a bunch of left leaning life-ers much like any ivy-league faculty.

Whether Chalabi is a saint or a sinner isn't relevant. What is relevant is how the Iraqis see him. If they see him as a leader they will elect him, no matter who else considers him a danger.

If the United States State Dept. doesn't like him it's just too bad.

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