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THE OPEN SOCIETY INSTITUTE DEMANDS WHITE
HOUSE ACCOUNTABILITY IN IRAQ
September 2003
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the full report 
Washington D.C., September 22 -The Open Society Institute
today said that the White House request for another $87 billion
for postwar reconstruction should not be approved without
increased accountability for US activities in Iraq.
Iraq Revenue Watch, a program of the Open Society Institute
(OSI) that monitors Iraq's oil industry, called on Washington
to tell the American people its plans for Iraq, how much the
military occupation will cost, and about moves to secure financial
and military contributions from others.
The White House has asked Congress for $21 billion towards
rebuilding efforts, with the bulk of the $87 billion allocated
for military occupation. The latest estimates, however, say
that restoring Iraq's infrastructure, oil production facilities,
and healthcare and education systems will cost more than $100
billion.
The Administration earlier made claims that oil revenues
would pay for Iraq's reconstruction, but was unprepared for
the many challenges - terrorist attacks, outdated infrastructure
- that have frustrated efforts to restart the oil industry.
At an estimated $12-$20 billion a year, oil revenues will
barely pay for the cost of operating an Iraqi government,
much less cover basic services such as water and electricity.
"The White House's recent appeal drives home that the
postwar period in Iraq has been far more difficult and expensive
than the Administration predicted," said Svetlana Tsalik,
director of Revenue Watch. "But the White House continues
to mislead both the Iraqi and American people."
OSI recommends that the Administration enlist U.S. allies
in Iraq's reconstruction, granting their requests for greater
transparency in the management of Iraqi assets and a timeline
for the prompt transition to full Iraqi self-governance.
In addition to setting a date for Iraqi sovereignty, the
Coalition Provisional Authority must also take steps to include
Iraqis in the transition process. Despite White House claims
to the contrary, Iraqis have been all but excluded from all
levels of policymaking. "To create a stable, independent
Iraq, Iraqis themselves must help shape the future of their
country," said Isam al Khafaji, the Baghdad-based director
for Iraq Revenue Watch.
Al Khafaji added: "The Administration's current policy
will not bring about sustainable democratic change in Iraq.
A new strategy - one that includes full Iraqi participation,
transparent budgeting, and increased international support
- is needed to prevent Iraq from slipping into chaos."
Read
the full report
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