The Predictable Outcome of Indecision
The Iraqi ‘officials’ and ‘lawmakers’ must be borrowing a page from the American political playbook. Some have said there is no military solution for Iraq and that it must be a political solution. If that is the case, perhaps it is not for the reasons suggested. The civilian leaders of the United States, Iraq and any other nations involved in this situation, whether their involvement is welcome or not, have taken every opportunity to make this conflict political. But then, civilian leaders are always focused on politics rather than attending to the businesss of governing.
It may also be true that the only reason for military officers releasing public statements about the war comes from the frustration of not being allowed to command without undue interference from those same civilian leaders. The bitter division on this conflict, the public outcry on both sides of the issue and the unnecessary obstacles presented to those responsible for command could have been avoided with responsible civilian leadership.
There is one bit of truth in the talk about political versus military solutions but it has not been mentioned in the reports. Military forces win wars. Politics can be used to avoid war, start a war or cleanup after a war. But military forces win wars. Why don’t we let the military do what they do best and complete the mission? There will be plenty of time for politics afterwards. Removing politics from some of the other major issues wouldn’t hurt either. To encourage politicians toward this end it might be helpful to add that removing the politics could be the best ‘political’ move you have made in years.
Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com
Iraqi Officials Discourage US Pullout
CBS 42, TX - May 12
On Thursday, hours before the House voted to limit funds for the war, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Barham Saleh met with more than 30 House Republicans and …(AP) WASHINGTON Worried Congress’ support for Iraq is deteriorating rapidly, Baghdad dispatched senior officials to Capitol Hill this week to warn members one-on-one that pulling out U.S. troops would have disastrous consequences.
Iraqi Lawmakers Seek Timetable for Withdrawal
New York Times, NY
BAGHDAD, May 11 — A majority of Iraq’s Parliament members have signed a petition for a timetable governing a withdrawal of American troops, several legislators said Friday.The withdrawal would depend on the growth and maturity of the Iraqi security forces, to ensure that the departure would not create a security vacuum and accelerate the sectarian conflict, the petition’s sponsors said.