May
12, 2004
Rob Tappan
I look forward to
taking your questions today on Iraq. Let's go ...
Brad, from New Jersey writes:
Has the
President addressed the Berg killing?
Rob Tappan
Yes, the President addressed the
brutal murder of Nick Berg this afternoon, and he expressed
his deep and heartfelt condolences to the Berg family and
Nick's friends.
The President's remarks can be found by clicking
here.
Elena, from Chicago writes:
Do you think
that the attacks will become less frequent or more after the
transfer of soverignity? Basically, will this be the best
thing for Iraqis right now?
Thank you for all that you do. Even though the opposition
speaks the loudest, there are many supporters of the President
who understand that this war will be wonderful for the Iraqis
and the Middle East in the long run.
Sincerely, Elena
Rob Tappan
Thank you for your email and for your
support.
It is hard to speculate about the future security situation
after June 30. However, we must remain ever vigilant
concerning the activities of terrorists and those who would
try to derail the great progress that we have made in Iraq to
date.
US and Coalition forces are doing everything they possibly
can to stop terror and stabilize the pockets of violence that
exist right now. As the President has said many times, we will
remain in Iraq as long as it takes to get the job done and not
a day later.
Armin, from Los Angeles writes:
It seems
obvious to me, that Nick Berg, the American who has been
brutally murdered by terrorists in Iraq, has been there to
help rebuild the country. What channels of communications has
the Coalitional Provisional Authority at their disposal to
inform the Iraqi population about American and other foreign
civilians and their work over there?
Rob Tappan
Nick Berg, like thousands of other
Americans and others from Coalition countries, went to Iraq to
help rebuild the country from 30 years of neglect by a brutal
dictator.
There are countless stories and acts of people helping
other people in Iraq that will never be reported by the media,
and that's a shame.
Many of these people work for the Coalition Provisional
Authority and many others work for companies that are
providing needed services and vital assistance to the people
of Iraq. Their contributions are invaluable and are testament
to the resilience and dedication of the human spirit.
Laurie, from Harrisburg PA writes:
I hear
from military in Iraq that most of the country is very happy
and prospering. News services would have us believe everything
is falling apart. ???Is it primarily two or three towns that
were the core of Saddams regime that are the problem???
Rob Tappan
Laurie,
I believe you've hit on a very important point. The
majority of towns and cities in Iraq are peaceful places,
where Iraqis are trying to lead good and decent lives.
In the north and the south, essential services are being
delivered to Iraqis that are helping them build better and
more efficient infrastructure and improving their lives
everyday.
The Coalition is also providing needed funding and valuable
assistance through the building of schools, rehabilitation of
hospitals, greater electricity generation and fresh water
delivery, as well as providing thousands of jobs to the Iraqi
people.
Unfortunately, the news media often overlook the great
progress we have made over the past year in Iraq.
Chris, from Knoxville, TN writes:
I am
writing in regards to the recent beheading of the American in
Iraq. As a registered voter its time my voice is heard, and I
think I speak for the
majority of Tennesseans today.
As a graduate of The University of Tennessee, please don't
let the brutal and horrific slaughter of one of our civilians,
slide quietly to the back of the closet. The death of this
young man is as blatant and violent an attack on and against
us as the terrorists who flew head first into the WTC and the
Pentagon
Rob Tappan
Chris,
We share your concern and outrage at the death of Nicholas
Berg at the hands of terrorists and we express our deepest
condolences to the Berg family and his friends.
We condemn in the harshest terms the brutal actions of
these terrorists against an innocent civilian. I believe the
world is outraged at this barbarous act and we will get to the
bottom of this.
Charlotte, from Brightville writes:
Dear
Mr. Tappan, My son is currently serving in Iraq and that
concerns me a lot. Last time I spoke to him he said that
Iraqis were increasingly hostile towards American soldiers
because of the things going on in Abu Ghraib. I'm hoping that
our credibility hasn't been damaged too much. Do you think it
has? I'm trying not to worry too much.
Thank You
Rob Tappan
First of all, Charlotte, God bless you
and God bless your son for his service in Iraq.
It is true that the actions of a very small group of
misguided Americans has bruised our reputation over the last
week or so. Nevertheless, the actions of a few do not
represent the brave activities and service of the 120,000+
Americans who are serving our country in Iraq.
In the fight for freedom of the Iraqi people, America and
its Coalition partners occupy the high moral ground. We will
prosecute those who have dishonored our country and we will
continue to fight terrorism and help the Iraqis realize their
dream of free elections.
Joe, from Fairhope, Alabama writes:
Could
we please get some positive stories out about what our guys
are doing RIGHT in Iraq. Marines storming machine gun nests.
Killing bad guys. Blowing up hide-outs. Tearing down the
enemies strongholds. I get them in emails from Marines who
were there. Why can't you put these stories out in a way that
gets them in the national media?
Rob Tappan
Joe,
I hear you. Everyday, we assist news media in highlighting
and profiling the wonderful young men and women who are
serving in uniform in Iraq. Many of these stories do make it
on the air and they are a credit to all 120,000+ members of
our armed forces who are serving in Iraq.
Unfortunately, the news media sometimes latches on and
highlights the negative news stories out there and it is our
constant challenge to remind them of all the wonderful things
that our uniformed men and women as well as the Coalition
Provisional Authority are doing to help put Iraq back on the
road to democracy and free elections.
In addition, the Coalition is also helping Iraqis realize
the goals of security, economic independence, restoration of
essential services and good governance.
Chuck, from St.Paul, MN writes:
Why are
we not making "faster work" of removing the insurgent threat
to our military within Iraq. Why does it appear that we are
not serious about ending this battle now? I have relatives
there and they are wondering the same.
Rob Tappan
Rest assured the US and coalition
military are working at top speed to eliminate the threat of
terrorists and provide security to the people of Iraq.
Reg, from Lamar, Mo writes:
Mr. Tappan,
My question is, when are we going to quit "staying the course"
and turn our military loose and let them win this war.
Rob Tappan
Reg
The brave men and women serving our country in Iraq are
doing a fantastic job of not only taking the fight to the
enemy but also providing valuable security and stability to
the people of Iraq.
Christopher, from Missouri writes:
Will
the Iraqis be ready to take over on June 30th?
Rob Tappan
Christopher
First of all, we have the utmost confidence in the capacity
in the Iraqi people to assume sovereignty on June 30.
Secondly, the United States and its coalition partners while
no longer the sovereign power will maintain a large presence
in Iraq providing security and will serve in an advisory
capacity to the ministries and transitional government
representatives.
Florence, from Santa Barbara, CA writes:
Dear Mr. Tappan, What exactly will be the function of the
CPA once sovereignty is handed to the Iraqis?
Yours faithfully
Rob Tappan
As in the earlier question, the CPA
will dissolve as of June 30 when sovereignty is handed back to
the Iraqi people. The US embassy in Baghdad will serve as the
main representative organization in Iraq on July 1.
Juan, from Pittsburgh writes:
Hey there,
There's been lots of talk about the handing over of Iraqi
sovereignty on June 30th. Why is the President so adament to
sticking to
this date when there are so many questions about the
feasability of such a power shift? Thanks and have a good day.
Rob Tappan
The November 15 agreement that the CPA
and the governing Council agreed to stipulates the handover of
sovereignty on June 30. The President and the Administration
has steadfastly stuck by the June 30 handover date. It is the
Administration's contention that the quicker sovereignty
passes back to the Iraqis themselves, in order to be able to
conduct their own self-determination, the better.
Joan, from New Jersey writes:
What
happens to the CPA staff in Iraq after June 30th?
Rob Tappan
The CPA itself as an organization
dissolves on June 30, however, a number of the personnel of
the CPA will remain in consultative roles working on behalf of
the US embassy in Baghdad.
Rob Tappan
Thank you for your outstanding
questions and comments today. I am deeply grateful for all of
the support and sentiments that the American people have
shared not only with me, but with all the men and women
serving in uniform, those of us who work on behalf of the
Coalition Provisional Authority, and of course all of us who
share in the common goal of a peaceful, secure, economically
independent and democratic Iraq.