Set benchmarks

Re “A mixed review of Iraqi security,” Aug. 31

Congress has mandated the benchmarks the administration must certify that the Iraqi government is reaching, but where are the benchmarks for the administration itself? What about decreasing Iraqi civilian deaths in mistaken house raids; decreasing Iraqi civilian deaths caused by U.S. aerial bombing; increasing aid to Iraqi refugees; increasing aid to stem the rise in Iraqi infant mortality; and admitting significant numbers of Iraqi refugees to the U.S., particularly those assisting the occupation forces?

Arturo Adame

Redondo Beach