Nearly four months after the fall of Baghdad, U.S. and British efforts to rebuild Iraq face daunting problems. An independent task force warns of a “steady deterioration in the security situation” due to escalating guerrilla attacks against coalition forces. As a result, restoration of security and basic services has been delayed, fueling anti-Americanism among a frustrated Iraqi public. Some experts question a recent decision to purge experienced government officials who belonged to Saddam Hussein's Baath Party. Others argue that coalition efforts would be bolstered if the United Nations and other countries played a greater role in restoring Iraq's infrastructure and government. Meanwhile, many worry that Iraq will not be able to transition to a stable democracy — a concern dismissed by President Bush.

David Masci specializes in social policy, religion and foreign affairs. Before joining CQ Researcher as a staff writer in 1996, he was a reporter at CQ's Daily Monitor and CQ Weekly. He holds a BA in medieval history from Syracuse University and a law degree from The George Washington University.