<...the theory of "Vietnamization"...>
Here's how we can maintain control of Iraq indefinitely:
1. Hire Saddam's entire security apparatus. Have them all sign pledges, saying they now believe in liberal democracy, and have forgotten all their Baathist indoctrination. Give them all the weapons, logistical support, money, training, anything else they ask for. Call them the Freedom For Iraq Army.
2. All our soldiers withdraw to the western desert, where they have no contact with any Iraqis.
3. Give our new proxies a free hand, to pacify the rest of the country. Best not to let any media people be embedded with the troops doing this job, it might make them queasy.
4. We can provide air support, for the pacification force. If, say, any buildings, towns, provinces can't be pacified any other way, we can cover the area with a layer of cluster bombs. Repeat as needed.
5. When the populated area of Iraq has been thoroughly pacified, they (the ex-Baathists) can supervise an election, to legitimize the new regime. We can be confident of the results.
If the Ends Justifies The Means, we might as well use Means that have a chance of working. |
