Chafee criticizes Bush for ''host of mistakes'' in Iraq

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (AP) Republican Sen. Lincoln Chafee criticized the Bush administration on Tuesday for a ''host of mistakes'' in its postwar reconstruction of Iraq, saying the country is less secure than before and that basic infrastructure is still not working.

The senator, on a tour of a Middletown company that provides security details to contractors in Iraq, said the U.S. effort will fail if the White House doesn't do a better job of working with other countries in the region and re-engage itself in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

''I don't think we can be successful if we're not working regionally,'' he told The Associated Press. ''If we keep saber-rattling with these countries, it could make this job (stabilizing Iraq) impossible.''

Chafee was the only Republican to vote against the White House war resolution in October 2002 leading up to the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. He said he favored recruiting more allies, and feared that demagogues in the Middle East and terrorists would exploit a U.S. invasion. He did vote to authorize reconstruction money.

On Tuesday, Chafee took issue with Bush's ''harsh words'' for Iran in recent weeks, and said the administration needs to work more closely with that country, Jordan and Syria.

The United States believes Tehran is developing nuclear weapons, a view reinforced by Iran's recent decision to resume construction of centrifuges a key step in the development of a uranium-based bomb. Iran insists its nuclear program has nothing to do with weaponry and is meant to meet domestic electricity needs.

''I feel there's been a whole host of mistakes,'' said Chafee, who is a moderate in the GOP. ''One might be the (too few) number of troops. The other is (not working closely enough) with surrounding countries.''

Washington is spending $1 billion a week in Iraq, according to Chafee. Yet the senator said he's heard electricity doesn't work in some places, some schools are not open, and water treatment plants remain out of commission. The senator said the country is more dangerous now than when he visited in October.

''The pressure's on us to perform,'' Chafee said.

''The question is if this investment is going to pay off,'' he continued. ''We're at a key moment here. The task is enormous.''