Lessons Learned?

There are a number of lessons to be learned from our reconstruction efforts in Iraq. The latest report from Stuart Bowen spells them out. Basically, the lessons are we need better management, we need buy-in from the Iraqis, buildings have to be maintained.

Because of the insecure situation in Iraq, Bowen's staff investigated only eight projects, all of which our government had touted as successes. The auditors found that seven of these eight were not working properly - plumbing was failing, electricity was inadequate, maintenance was virtually non-existent and stuff had been stolen.

The first step in making things better is recognizing and admitting mistakes. The administration has yet to take this first step.