The Iraqi National Congress has again become the focus of a dispute with the Bush administration as the pro-Western opposition group begins operations in Iraq.
U.S. officials said the question of the INC's role has divided the administration and prevented Iraqi opposition forces from deploying in several cities in southern Iraq. They said the dispute pits the Defense Department against the State Department.
The Pentagon wants the INC to be a major force in the pacification of Iraq as opposition forces help identify members of the ruling Baath Party and establish a civil administration in cities throughout the country.
Nearly 1,000 INC members are being deployed in southern Iraq and have begun efforts to restore order.
The INC effort is being opposed by the State Department and the CIA, officials said. They said the two departments regard the INC as unreliable and jeopardizes U.S. assurances that Iraq would not be run by foreigners.
The State Department has blocked at least $4 million in funds for the operation of the INC's Liberty television broadcasts to Iraq.
