Study War No More: U.S. Institute for Peace Runs Iraq War

international | anti-war / imperialism | other press Monday January 26, 2009 17:10 by C.D. Stelzer

Is the Obama Administration Really in Charge?

President Barack Obama's Secretary of Defence and his new director of the CIA were members of the Iraq Study Group -- along with Bush crony James Baker.

In an Orwellian move, the business of war was put in the hands of the United States Institute for Peace (ISIP). The presidential advisory group includes twelve members from outside the federal government, usually former high-level officials. Ex-officio members includes representatives of the Defense Department, State Department and National Defense University.

ISIP established the Iraq Study Group to come up with recommendations for changing the course of the war in Iraq. The group was headed by James Baker, a former chief of staff and cabinet member in the administration of George H.W. Bush, the president's father. It was not the first time that Baker had been called upon to handle a sensitive assignment. The confidante of the Bush family also oversaw the Florida presidential "recount" in 2000, which ultimately resulted in the U.S. Supreme Court appointing George W. Bush president.

In addition to Baker, the Iraq Study Group included two members who are important members of President Barack Obama's new administration: ....