Their view was that the government lacked a clear strategy in its second term.
More recently, these same officials claimed that the government lacks the money to do anything at all.
Certainly people do expect the Army to step in where the civilian government lacks.
Business has long complained that the Government lacks a growth policy.
"The government lacks the respect for human life, which you and I would prefer."
The government wants to extend water to small farmers, but lacks money.
But when landowners have the will to sell, the Government sometimes lacks the means to buy.
Many Iraqis fear the new government may lack the credibility to lead the country into elections next year.
Still, many people believe that the Government lacks the political will to force businesses to curb their activities.
Local and regional governments also lack the resources to implement the laws.