Iraq War Watch: Partition? Strongman? Withdrawal?
Prime Minister Tony Blair (L) meets with visiting Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Barham Saleh at his official residence at 10 Downing Street, in central London. Nearly half of Iraq ‘s 18 provinces will be under Iraqi control by the end of the year, Saleh has said, despite growing concerns about increased violence in the troubled state.
Jed Babbin has the policy alternatives.
Why not WIN?
Flap agrees with Paul. American security interests are not threatened with civil strife in Baghdad.
However, a precipitous redeployment/retreat of American troops will.
There are other choices, including winning the peace, continuing to train Iraqi security forces and helping the Iraqi government reach political consensus on self-governance.
Stay tuned…….
One Comment
endorendil
Weird. Iraq becoming a failed state with plenty of Americans running about as live targets in it sounds like a problem for the US. Not to mention that it gives Iran a blank check to do what it wants.
Training Iraqi security forces is no solution, if these forces continue to desert when asked to fight or turn into death squads. Seems like the US trains its enemies as much as its friends. Laudable ideal, perhaps, but lousy military strategy.
Winning Iraq requires actual commitment. More US troops (minimum 200,000 is what Shinseki said), a reversal of the pull-back to large military bases to reengage with both friend and enemy, and a treaty agreement with Iraq that the US military will stay at its elevated troop level for at least 10 years. That might give the US enough power and time to pacify the country. It might turn the tide in time for the 2012 elections, perhaps. But anything less looks like window dressing for indecision and fear.