Future of Iraq

CONSERVATIVE MP WARNS OF AMERICAN DOMINANCE IN POST CONFLICT IRAQ

The dangers of an American dominated post conflict Iraq are highlighted today by Hugh Robertson who served in the Gulf as Adjutant of a main battle tank regiment during the 1991 conflict.

"It would be a huge mistake. It will inflame tensions in the Middle East and prevent the Coalition proving that the war was a liberation of Iraq intended to return Iraq to the Iraqi people," said Hugh.

Mr Robertson said: "There must be a very clear division between security and the political and economic rebuilding necessary after the war.

"It would clearly be sensible for US and UK troops to remain until the security situation is stable. However, as soon as possible, they should be withdrawn and replaced by a UN force, or UN endorsed force, and very quickly by a new Iraqi army and police force.

"The political and economic reconstruction should be handed over to the United Nations as a matter of urgency. A totally transparent trust fund must be established to handle the oil revenues to prevent accusation of Western interference.

"I fully realise that there will be a huge temptation for the US to remain in Iraq for some while. This is understandable given events at the UN prior to the conflict.