“The first public exposition of what the USA was planning for a post-Saddam Iraq came in a series of hearings held by the Foreign Relations Committee of the US Senate in February 2003. Under Secretary of State Marc Grossman and Under Secretary of Defense Douglas Feith testified as to arrangements being considered for a post-war Iraq. The premise that underlay their testimony was that the conflict would be short-lived, and that the main issues that would arise would relate to humanitarian and reconstruction needs. Little understanding was shown about the nature of the Iraqi state, and whether its administrative mechanisms would be able or reliable enough to manage the demands of a post-conflict situation.” [The 15th of the month used for date sorting purposes only.]
– Ali A. Allawi, The Occupation of Iraq, Pages 96-97