President Bush vows to transform Iraq into a beacon of democracy in the Middle East. [Meanwhile] his administration has been scaling back funding for the main organizations trying to build democratic institutions such as political parties and civil society groups.
Some organizations face funding cutoffs this month, while others struggle to stretch resources through the summer. The shortfall threatens projects that teach Iraqis how to create and sustain political parties, think tanks, human rights groups, independent media outlets, trade unions and other elements of democratic society.
Jennifer Windsor, executive director of Freedom House, an advocacy group that hosted a Bush speech last week, called the situation "a travesty" and said she is "appalled" that more is not being done. "This is the time to show that democracy promotion is more than holding an election.:
"The solution to Iraq lies in the political process, and it's reckless for the White House to cut funds [strengthening] democracy in Iraq at this time," said Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.).
Officials at the White House, the State Department, the Office of Management and Budget and USAID were contacted for comment in recent days, but none would speak on the record.
[Excerpt of article by Peter Baker, Washington Post]
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