U.S. must start rebuilding Iraq with U.N.’s help

Now that the United States military controls most of Iraq, it is
crucial that order in the country be restored as quickly as
possible. Every additional day of rioting and violence, especially
in Baghdad, will add to the significant problems of rebuilding the
war-torn nation. Iraq is suffering not only from the current war
but also years of dictatorial rule and intense international
sanctions.

In the coming weeks and months, as the rebuilding begins, the
United States should seek the help of the United Nations and
international groups to assist with humanitarian work and the
eventual reconstruction of the Iraqi government. The support of
regional powers, such as Saudi Arabia, and international aid
organizations will substantially reduce the humanitarian problems
facing the Iraqi people.

Reports from Baghdad indicate that the city is still without
water and electrical power. The International Red Cross recently
reported looters have targeted as many as 33 hospitals in the
capital alone. National monuments such as the Baghdad zoo and
museum have also been torn apart, destroying valuable treasures
which could have helped jump-start a new economy. The museum held
artifacts over 9,000 years old that would have served as a
substantial impetus for tourism and academic research.

The United States brought war to Iraq, and it is the United
States’ responsibility to ensure the country does not
completely lose order. Whether or not the United States military
should be in Iraq is no longer the question: now that it’s
there, it cannot sit back and accept destructive, anarchic
behavior.

The United States’ responsibility to maintain civility in
Iraq does not translate to authority to restructure Iraq’s
government on its own, however. This job belongs to the United
Nations. Though the United Nations did not endorse the war,
restructuring a country is a more appealing endeavor than attacking
it.

History has shown there is no perfect formula for nation
building. Although U.N. involvement seems likely to be beneficial,
it is not always perfect. In 1947-1948, for example, joint
U.N.-British attempts to partition Israeli and Palestinian lands
were not completely successful, leading to one of the most painful
and long lasting conflicts in recent history. However, in
2001-2002, the United States was largely successful in creating a
relatively stable Afghan government. By the same token, American
efforts at setting up heads of state throughout history have often
backfired.

By allowing the United Nations to head the rebuilding effort, a
more diverse set of actors can help devise a political system which
will help Iraq better fit into the Middle East region as a peaceful
and productive nation. The United States is in the United Nations,
so deferring to the overall body does not mean exclusion. Rather,
it combines talent and experience in tackling a type of problem
““ nation building ““ the world has often failed at
solving.

Furthermore, having more perspectives participate in rebuilding
Iraq will not impede with American interests to rid Iraq of
possible weapons of mass destruction ““ especially since
Hussein no longer controls them.

Ultimately, the world and the people of Iraq will pass judgement
on the U.S.-led war largely as a result of what happens during the
rebuilding process. It is crucial that the United States moves
rapidly to ensure the security of the people of Iraq and the
country’s basic infrastructure. Once that goal has been met,
the international community can craft a government which is fair to
the multiple parties with a stake in the future of Iraq.