Pentagon sets exit rules for next war

http://www.sciencedaily.com/upi/?feed=TopNews&article=UPI-1-20051201-08451800-bc-us-postwar.xml

Pentagon sets exit rules for next war

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- The U.S. Pentagon has issued orders for the next war that will require the military to have a post-conflict stability plan and capability in place.

In the future, instead of being focused primarily on combat operations, U.S. forces under the new order must be ready in foreign countries to carry out such tasks as developing political institutions, establishing judicial systems and reviving economic activities.

"Stability operations ... shall be given priority comparable to combat operations and be explicitly addressed and integrated across all" Pentagon activities, the directive says.

The Washington Post said the revised policy is a result of failed Pentagon hopes in Iraq of being able to hand off a large share of responsibility to U.S. and foreign civilian organizations and to Iraqis.