Iraq: Planning for an American Withdrawal

[occuserpens]

2006-06-10 Amir Taheri on withdrawal from Iraq

Amir Taheri. Iraq: Planning for an American Withdrawal

Today, the US-led coalition is not fighting to achieve victory but to protect its victory against those who challenge it. That challenge might continue for months, even years. However, it has no chance of undoing the victory achieved by the US-led coalition in April 2003; the Saddamite regime cannot be restored. Nor does the smorgasbord of Saddamites, jihadists and bandits challenging the new Iraq have the slightest chance of seizing power in Baghdad. New Iraq is like a caravan continuing its journey toward its destination while it is attacked at its rear and on is flanks by wolves and bandits who might kill and rob but cannot stop the caravan’s progress, let alone alter its course.

It is, therefore, important to launch a new phase in the Iraqi project: That of stabilization and reconstruction. That means shifting the emphasis from the military aspects of the project to “nation-building”.

[frankly_fedup2]

1. And not to the big money contractors either. Give these people

jobs, well-paying jobs that they can support their families and live a normal life. That is all any human being wants. Peace, security, happiness, not to live in fear, and to be able to support their family.

It's about time our boys and girls started coming home. They cannot even shoot a suspected insurgent unless they are shot at first. The enemy dresses just like the people. How are they suppose to distinguish the two when a battle starts from innocent Iraqi's homes. These terrorists threaten these families, these families are afraid of the Americans, what are they suppose to do? Die must be the answer because it seems that is what is happening to most of them.

[bigtree]

2. amazing that a new discussion is starting about reconstruction (again?)

that process and the money we paid was a sham.