Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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June 29, 2008

US Army's Own Report Faults Poor Planning, Lack of Vision In Iraq 
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1CE843D:A6F02AD83191E160CAF603D1352394645C6F54A6CF9DC2CA&
 
Unclassified report written by military historians says too much
emphasis was placed on a military triumph, and not enough on detailed
planning for the post-war period 
A new U.S. Army report on the Iraq conflict following the ouster of
Saddam Hussein cites a lack of planning and vision by U.S. military and
civilian leaders.

 The unclassified report written by military historians Donald Wright
and Colonel Timothy Reese says too much emphasis was placed on a
military triumph, and not enough on detailed planning for the post-war
period. It says part of the reason was optimism by the White House and
Defense Department on what would happen when Saddam was defeated.

 The lengthy report authored by Wright, Reese and the Army's
Contemporary Operations Study Team concentrates on the 18 months
following President Bush's declaration of the end of major combat in May
2003.

 The report also criticizes the invasion's top commander, General Tommy
Franks, for his decision to overhaul the Baghdad-based military command,
creating a short-staffed headquarters led by an inexperienced general.

 

 Some information for this report was provided byAP and Reuters.

 


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