U.S. State Department Plans For Iraq Are Starting To Unravel

U.S. Scales Back Diplomacy In Iraq Amid Fiscal And Security Concerns -- New York Times

BAGHDAD — Beyond the final withdrawal of troops that President Obama announced Friday, America’s fiscal troubles are dictating a drastic scaling back of plans for diplomatic, economic and cultural programs once deemed vital to steadying Iraq, building a long-term alliance and prying the country from Iran’s tightening embrace.

As recently as this summer, the State Department had planned to establish a 700-person consulate in the still-restive northern city of Mosul. And as recently as the spring, the United States was moving ahead with plans for a consulate in the ethnically divided and potentially explosive city of Kirkuk.

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My Comment: Poor planning. Lack of resources. Where is the leadership (i.e. Hillary Clinton)? The list of snafus are growing .... and with the US military departure date fast approaching .... I doubt that they will be ready.