This morning Iraqi citizens again woke up to reports of violence when a car bomb was detonated outside the city of Samarra, killing three. This attack is one in a series that have left 300 dead this week alone. Though some attention was paid when the 1,000th American died in Iraq this week, politicians and the mainstream media largely left out the fact that the security situation is worsening and at least 12,778 Iraqis have lost their lives.
As violence and death increase in Iraq, a National Intelligence Estimate released Friday warned of growing discontent in the embattled country. The least we can hope for in the next 18 months, according to the Bush-commissioned report, is tenuous security. This is if we're lucky. Among worst-case scenarios is a slide toward civil war. Despite these harrowing conditions, President Bush continues to campaign as though Iraq is a certain success. As national security and especially Iraq has become the deciding factor in this election, comprehensive media coverage and challenger Senator Kerry must counter Bush's false optimism.
Despite its electoral importance, when it comes to building a free Iraq the debate over the decision to enter the war is moot. Instead, focusing on an end strategy will help the U.S. electorate make their critical choice this November. Bush has based his campaign on his wartime record, claiming victory in Afghanistan and all but assuring the same in Iraq. He must acknowledge the hardships incurred in this war and the challenge it continues to represent. As military and civilian death tolls rise, the number of wounded U.S. soldiers is around 7,000 and thus far $120 billion has been spent, but few positive results are evident. From the banning of photographic coverage of returning caskets to Bush's noted absence at servicemen's funerals, this administration has failed to accept full responsibility for costs of this war. Bush must face the realities and give the American public a true picture of the conflict.
More media coverage and increased focus on the issue is vital this election season. This week, Newsweek's editors placed a story about the campaign squabble over money from "527 groups" ahead of an important Iraq story titled "It's Worse Than You Think." The media has a responsibility to adequately inform the public and hiding stories behind partisan gossip is not the way to do this. As of August a Pew Research Center poll found 41 percent of those surveyed describing the situation in Iraq as going "fairly well." In August U.S. forces lost 66 and experienced the highest injury rate yet with 1100 wounded. More emphasis should be placed on this subject.
Polls indicate general disapproval among the public for of the president's handling of Iraq, including the decision to go to war. A majority of citizens do not think, as Bush claims, that the removal of Saddam Hussein has made America safer. In spite of these pessimistic opinions, Bush is up by as much as 13 points in recent polls. Part of this increase lies in John Kerry's inability to develop and effectively promote a clear alternative to Bush's faltering "stay the course" plan. He must develop a clear exit strategy to assure the weary public that he can handle the situation.
The Iraq war remains a divisive issue at the heart of this election season. However the dire reality in Iraq has failed to properly resonate with the voting public. First the current administration needs to stop playing politics and face the facts. Second, the incumbent John Kerry must work to publicize a distinct difference in his plans for Iraq, and third, major media outlets must focus on more comprehensive coverage.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
