State Department report on U.S. withdrawal from Iraq cites lack of money, other problems
Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 03:13PM As the U.S. military draws down forces in Iraq, the State Department’s plans to take over the American role may falter because of lack of money, inadequate housing for increased personnel and unforeseen events, according to a new inspector general’s report.
“Establishing a viable diplomatic mission in Iraq without the considerable support and resources of [the Department of Defense] will almost certainly require years of effort and the investment of significant resources,” according to the report released this week by the State Department’s inspector general.
The administration requested $2.7 billion for Iraq in fiscal 2011, but when the final continuing resolution was passed by Congress, the State Department got $2.3 billion for the effort. The administration has requested $6.3 billion for fiscal 2012. The funding uncertainties have “hindered the ability to derive firm, detailed budget figures for completing the transition and sustaining operations,” according to the report.
The report says the State Department plans to eventually deploy 17,000 political, economic and security personnel among 15 sites throughout Iraq. In Baghdad, the influx is expected to reach 8,000 by the end of 2011, but there are beds for only about half that number now. The embassy is negotiating with the Iraqi government to obtain more residential space in a nearby facility that is a U.S. military base, but there are no contingency plans if a property lease is delayed or denied by the Iraqi government, according to the report.
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