The news from Iraq is getting messier by the day. The American public was told that once the elections are held peace and quiet will descend on Iraq. Those opf us who have been follwing that story knew better. Now after 150,000 Iraqi lives destroyed, billions of dollars worth of infrastructure destroyed, nearly 2000 US soldiers killed in action and the golbal image of the USA is tatters it is time to reflect on the whole issue. The neo conmen who led the country to war underestimated the power of the Iraqi Resistance. They were not aware that in1922-24 when the British administered Mesopotamia as part of its maNDATED TERRITORY there was hell in store for them at a time when the Iraqi civil society was far less developed than it is today. There is no way this war can be won. Luttwak is perfectly right when he says that USA must disengage itself from Iraq. Disengagement is not retreat and must not be perceived that way. In the last week alone Bagdad has seen the death of nearly 550 civillians in car bombs and other acts of violence targetted against Iraqi s.
A disturbing trend is that the troops are not being rotated. This means that after a tour of duty a soldier who could look forward to spending time with his wife and children can no longer do so. The morale of troops will be affected and more importantly even the top brass of the US army is admitting that the war is bearing down heavily on troop morale. Gen Raggis was chashiered from the US army for telling the truth.
At this rate the dreaded draft will be introduced and that is the only way the present level of American engagement can be maintained. As for as the Iraqis taking over the security operations just forget it. The Iraqis are nowhere close to reaching the target. AT THE FIRST SIGN OF GUNNFIRE THE iRAQI FLEES AND THE FEW who stand and fight find that they are usually overlooked for rewards which is cornered by the staff officers close to the Americans. Moreover the level of Intellegence of the Iraqi resistance is improving. This spells danger.