Editorial: Bush’s plan for Iraq still lacking in specifics

President Bush offered the world almost nothing original in his
speech on the occupation of Iraq, Monday night. Many news outlets
contentedly reported on the five-step plan Bush sketched out, but
few looked at it critically.

In reality, his plan is nothing more than a set of general goals
““ none of which are insightful or unexpected. Bush promised
to transfer authority to a sovereign Iraqi government before July,
improve security in unstable areas, involve more nations, rebuild
the national infrastructure, and set up national elections.

What the president failed to do was explain how those goals
would be realized. Anyone can say they want security in Iraq to
improve. Anyone who watches the nightly news can talk about how
important it is to involve Iraqis in the process. But Bush has to
be more specific, especially if his goal is to improve his
all-time-low 41-percent approval rating.

So how will security be improved? How many troops will be
needed? When will Iraqi forces be able to operate independently?
How will the United States make sure its enemies are treated
humanely? How will the United States pay for it all?

These are the questions the president still needs to answer. His
speech Monday might have buoyed his supporters, but it will do
little for those interested in real solutions.