Guess what: the U.S. occupation is suffering from a painful lack of Arabic speakers. In the Iraq Survey Group’s report, they recommend the government “accord the highest possible priority” to language training and cultural proficiency.
In his press briefing this afternoon, White House flack Tony Snow brought up the recommendation, but squirmed when pushed to admit that it was a criticism of the administration. Ignoring the fact that we’re five years out from 9/11, Snow averred that the administration could hardly be expected to “snap its fingers” and make Arabic linguists appear. Watch:
“You don’t snap your fingers and have the Arabic speakers you need overnight.” As my TPM colleague Eric noted, it’s too bad the military’s been kicking out Arabic speakers who they think snap their fingers a little too much.