[Brian S]

Washington Post version just hiting the web.

=====================================

Bremer Returns to Washington Amid Frustration in Iraq

By Ariana Eunjung Cha, Peter Slevin and Fred Barbash Washington Post Staff Writers Tuesday, November 11, 2003; 11:29 AM

BAGHDAD, Nov. 11 -- L. Paul Bremer, the U.S. civilian administrator in Iraq, is returning unexpectedly to Washington for high level consultations amid continued frustration with the performance of Iraq's U.S.-appointed Governing Council, administration officials said Tuesday.

The Bush administration is considering changes in the structure and timing of Iraq's transition self-governance, including a new Iraqi constitution and elected government, said an administration official involved in Iraq policy in Washington.

In September, Bremer outlined a seven-step plan for Iraqi sovereignty. "It's beginning to be realized that it's not going to follow that path," the official said. "And we need some kind of provisional government that we can give some kind of authority to. The whole political piece is a work in progress. He's got a lot of work to do."

Bremer's mission will be to "consult, consult, consult," particularly on Iraq's political structure, the official said.

One issue under discussion is the sequence of restoring sovereignty to Iraq. The Bush administration appears to be backing away from its earlier insistence that a constitution must be written and ratified by nationwide referendum before Iraqis gain significant sovereignty.

Excerpted; Link to full article

[GunRunner]

I don't understand why they would cancel the meeting with the Poles for "consultations". I think the Post might be jumping the gun here. We can still be optimists for a few more minutes.

[diamondjoe]

There was a story yesterday that most of the Governing Council is only interested in building their personal portfolios, and that a mere handful even attends meetings anymore.

We need to clean that organization out--get rid of the self-interested rats like Chalabi, and get Iraqis who are interested in a prosperous Iraq.

[NutCrackerBoy]

Very tough, aggressive measures are needed against the insurgents right now. Whenever the Coalition military does this, Iraqi occupation resentment goes through the roof. There must be a form of Iraqi sovereignty so that an Iraqi military police force can act with legitimacy.

The high-level consultation is so that the CIC, Rice, Rumsfeld et al can craft something with Bremer.