US seeks new direction in Iraq

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-28-2006 12:10

The Iraq Study Group led by former US congressmen is working on the US strategies for Iraq.

US media reports the commission will recommend aggressive regional diplomacy, including talks with Iran and Syria.

The ten-member panel is led by James Baker, former US Secretary of State, and former Congressman Lee Hamilton.

US media reports say draft from the group is seeking a new direction in Iraq, including direct talks with Iran and Syria.

But analysts say there's debate as to how fruitful such talks really would be.

Michael O’Hanlon, a middle east analyst, said "To what extent do they have influence inside of Iraq in a war that is primarily a civil war. Most of the money needed for the war, as we have just learned, is being produced inside of Iraq, most of the hatreds and resentments and history are inside Iraq, so I think we have to lower our expectations about what Iran and Syria could deliver even if they wanted to."

Former President Jimmy Carter thinks the report will have a strong influence on the Bush administration's policy. He said "At this point, I think everybody is waiting for the Lee Hamilton and Jim Baker panel to make a recommendation and my guess is that President Bush will take their advice as much as he possibly can."

US media report the draft doesn't specify any timetables for withdrawing US troops, although the commissioners are expected to debate whether such timetables are feasible.

The panel's findings and recommendation are expected in December.

Editor:Ji Xuewen