BAGHDAD, Iraq – The U.S. ambassador in Baghdad sought to reassure Iraqis on Wednesday that major Democratic gains in Tuesday’s elections did not herald an immediate or dramatic change in U.S. policy, saying President Bush “is the architect of U.S. foreign policy” and committed to success in Iraq.
In a speech to Iraqi journalists and a few government officials, Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad explained that there would be a change in the balance of power in the U.S. Congress but that “Americans understand that Iraq is important” and “have made great sacrifices” for the country and its people.
While continued violence “sometimes causes some, understandably, to wonder whether Iraqis can succeed,” he said, “it is clear that Americans want Iraq to succeed” and would continue supporting efforts to bring peace and security to the country. Khalilzad said Bush “is committed to working with both houses of the American Congress to get support needed for the mission in Iraq to succeed.”
But many Iraqis expressed concern that a political sea change in Washington could leave them and their country in even worse shape than it is today, while others said they hoped the Democrats would be more forceful in demanding that Iraq’s government curb militias and improve security.
“We are concerned that there might be a quick withdrawal from Iraq, which would seriously affect the security situation,” said Kashim Mohammed, director of the Fallujah Development Center in the city of Fallujah, a Sunni Arab stronghold 35 miles west of Baghdad. “In reality, the new situation in America is a matter of concern and interest for Iraqis more than it is for Americans themselves.”
“I’m optimistic. I think the Democrats will not accept the chaos in Iraq,” said Saad Obeidi, 38, a Sunni who owns a fashion shop in the central Baghdad neighborhood of Karrada.
In violence Wednesday, a suicide bomber blew himself up in a cafe in a Shiite Muslim neighborhood in northern Baghdad, killing 16 people and wounding 18. In addition, 14 people were killed and 70 were wounded in a series of mortar attacks and car bombings in the capital.
The U.S. military said troops killed 10 fighters from the insurgent group al-Qaida in Iraq on Wednesday and freed a kidnapped Iraqi police officer.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
