Early split emerging over Iraq in new administration

WASHINGTON — The incoming administration of President-elect George W. Bush is facing an early divide over U.S. foreign policy toward Iraq.

Sources on the Bush team said the main dispute appears to be that between Secretary of State-designate Colin Powell and Bush's pick for national security adviser, Condoleezza Rice. Powell is said to be wary of support by Washington for an opposition attempt to overthrow Saddam. Ms. Rice favors a more active U.S. approach against the Iraqi ruler.

"Actually, we are talking about a series of disputes, both on policy and personnel, between these two," a Bush source said. "This is just one of the arguments that will certainly affect policy."

Both have spoken out against Saddam and called for a more aggressive policy against the Iraqi regime. Ms. Rice said the administration's priority will be to limit Saddam's ability to threaten his neighbors, Middle East Newsline reported.

"We need to rededicate our efforts in making sure he doesn't turn himself into a terrorist or threaten his neighbors," said Ms. Rice told the United States Institute of Peace. "We're going to have to take it on because no one wants to see Saddam Hussein escape his box."

Powell told a Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday that Iraq will also be a priority. But in his prepared statement, Powell mentioned Iraq after such issues as Russia, China, NATO and the Arab-Israeli conflict.

"We need to be vigilant, ready to respond to provocations, and utterly steadfast in our policy toward Saddam Hussein, and we need to be supportive of opposition efforts," Powell said.

Bush said he will restore the alliance against Iraq. But the sources said Bush will probably approve Powell's approach for a cautious approach toward the Iraqi opposition. They said Bush has on Powell's recommendations kept out of his administration those regarded as being vigorous supporters of a U.S. campaign to topple Saddam. These include such strategists as Richard Perle and Paul Wolfowitz.

Iraq is expected to be one of the first issues dealt with by the Bush administration. In one of his last acts in office, President Bill Clinton has submitted to Congress a plan to bolster the Iraqi National Congress. Under Clinton's plan, the INC would be responsible for the distribution of humanitarian aid in areas out of Saddam's control — such as southern and northern Iraq.

The INC would also be given funds to begin radio broadcasts in Iraq against the Saddam regime.

The Bush administration will have to decide the extent of U.S. protection for the newly-funded INC programs. The Clinton proposal said the State Department has released funding "for training INC personnel in protective skills." The administration has withheld funds for military training.

Another Clinton proposal that will require Bush's attention is the outgoing administration's expectation that Iran will grant the INC havens from which to operate in northern and southern Iraq. Bush sources said this will involve an expansion of the U.S. dialogue with Teheran as well as pledges of U.S. support for the Islamic republic.

"The INC proposes to gain access to these areas through temporary deployments of mobile teams supported from offices in Iran," the Clinton proposal said.

At the United Nations, Saddam was criticized for failing to use oil revenues to buy humanitarian supplies for his people. Benon Sevan, who directs the UN program regarding Iraq, said Baghdad ordered $4.2 billion worth of supplies out of $7.8 billion allocated for that purpose.