Washington, Apr 08: Even as opposition to US' wish to dictate the future shape of Iraqi politics grows in Europe, Washington is already firming up plans to establish control over the war-battered country, a media report said today.
"The still sketchy plan, which has sparked considerable consternation overseas, even among close allies like Britain, calls for inserting teams of US officials in northern and southern Iraq perhaps as early as this week to show Iraqis that the process has begun, at least on the fringes," the
'Wall Street Journal' said.
"A US-led administration team, with retired Lt Gen Jay Garner at the helm, would then take over in Baghdad as soon as it is safe to enter," it added.
While US says that the coalition must govern a post-Saddam Iraq until an administration led by Iraqis can take over, several countries including France, Germany and Russia are demanding a major role for the United Nations.
Even Britain, US' chief ally in the war, wants a substantial UN role in Iraq's reconstruction. But the US insists on going it alone.
Under the Bush administration's plan, the rebuilding work will fall first to a core team of about 230 retired US military officers and diplomats, along with officials on loan from various federal agencies, the 'journal' said.
Bureau Report
