The Truth Will Out

As reports come in daily of increased violence and death in Iraq [the latest only a few hours ago] the Bush Administration continues the spin that things are positive in that war-torn and divided country.

Things are not good in Iraq says a sombre internal report from the US Embassy and military command in Iraq. So reports today's New York Times.

"An internal staff report by the United States Embassy and the military command in Baghdad provides a sobering province-by-province snapshot of Iraq's political, economic and security situation, rating the overall stability of 6 of the 18 provinces "serious" and one "critical." The report is a counterpoint to some recent upbeat public statements by top American politicians and military officials.

The report, 10 pages of briefing points titled "Provincial Stability Assessment," underscores the shift in the nature of the Iraq war three years after the toppling of Saddam Hussein. Warnings of sectarian and ethnic frictions are raised in many regions, even in those provinces generally described as nonviolent by American officials."

The article speaks for itself - and, once again, glaringly, highlights that much as the White House seeks to "spin" the truth the facts will out.

Meanwhile, Al Jareeza reports the statement by President Mubarek of Egypt that civil war has broken out in Iraq - and that the Americans must not now withdraw for do so would only spread the conflict. Read the Al Jareeza article here.

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