Bush's Iraqi exiles buddies ready to tell US to 'screw you'

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/08/11/1060588320240.html

Iraqi exiles ready to walk out on US
By Warren Vieth
Washington
August 12, 2003

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Some Iraqi exiles recruited by the Pentagon to help rebuild their homeland are pressing for a bigger role in reconstruction, saying they have been sidelined by Americans who view them as foot soldiers, not partners.

One prominent political scientist has resigned from the Iraqi Reconstruction and Development Council and others are threatening to leave if their concerns are not addressed.

Coalition officials say the grumbling is limited to a handful of about 130 Iraqi expatriates serving on the reconstruction council, formed by the Pentagon to assist in postwar planning.

But interviews with several council members and other Iraqis familiar with the reconstruction suggest the dissatisfaction is shared by more than a few and might reflect a management style that is contributing to anti-American sentiment in Iraq.

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