The Foreign Service Journal, March 2005

of really bad governments. Following the liberation of Kuwait in 1991, I began over a decade of working closely with opposition leaders. As individuals, I admired them greatly for their courage, sub- tlety and persistence. Collectively, however, they mirrored many of the problems that had prevented Iraqi politics from evolving in a less authoritarian way, and they had, for the most part, failed to establish a broad popular base. The State Department’s Future of Iraq project recognized that reality. It was premised in part on the need to draw on a much wider circle of experts from both the Iraqi dias- pora and from Iraqi Kurdistan than were represented by the small circle of leaders and limited professional cadres of the opposition movements. Despite State’s efforts, leading opposition parties tended to mistrust that inclusive process. The most agile eventual- ly coalesced in a mutually distrust- ful partnership of convenience. They succeeded in convincing key centers of influence in Washington that they could provide a ready and reliable replacement for Saddam and his supporters. In the chaos of post-invasion Iraq, nei- ther the U.S. nor its Iraqi allies were able to pick up the pieces in time to forestall widespread Iraqi anger and disillusionment. The insurgency started soon thereafter, and despite some setbacks, has continued to gain ground. If the return of Ahmed Chalabi and other opposition leaders proved to be less effective than promised, the same has been true for the range of simple answers to F O C U S M A R C H 2 0 0 5 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 31 A realistic policy needs redlines for really dangerous Iraqi behavior, as distinct from Iraqi behavior that is merely disappointing and annoying. The Embassy Plan Overseas Insurance Personal Auto & Contents Coverage Experience that helps you avoid the pitfalls of a highly complex business. Repeat business that results from providing what’s best for the customer not the agent nor the insurance company. Since 1969, Harry M. Jannette International has provided dependable coverage with U.S. carriers with a financial rating of A+ or higher to thousands of Foreign Service Personnel worldwide. Thus you gain the broadest U.S. terms and conditions and flexible value limits often not available from other insurance carriers. MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED: SEE OUR WEBSITE APPLICATIONS Harry M. Jannette International, L.L.C. 8111 LBJ Freeway, Suite 585 Dallas, Texas 75251-1334 Toll Free (800) 256-5141 (972) 783-4915 Fax (972) 783-0545 E-mail: hmjintl@jannetteintl.com www.jannetteintl.com • WORLDWIDE COVERAGE Fire, theft, comprehensive and collision protection are available at foreign posts. • U.S. AUTO LIABILITY Available for short term on home leave, change of assignment, and new auto purchase prior to foreign departure. This coverage must be issued in combination with an “Embassy Plan” policy. • FOREIGN LIABILITY Contact your post for compliance with local laws, Excess liability limits are available over local liability coverage. • PERSONAL COVERAGE Household goods and transit, valuable articles, personal liability, life insurance . • EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION INSURANCE Employee association insurance Including directors and officers. Your Reliable Choice