The reconstruction is progressing a bit slower than hoped, but it is progressing. I've posted over a dozen articles (don't think anyone is reading them...gg) in this thread detailing what's been accomplished so far and it is significant.
The problem I see with reconstruction is not the pace, but that so much of what has been done has been done by the military, or by small civilian groups with massive military protection. That can’t last. If reconstruction is to progress and accelerate, it will be have to be taken on by civilian experts: the military just doesn’t have the expertise, it’s not their job. That will not happen until the security situation settles. Bechtel, and the subcontractors on the Bechtel contract, have barely moved, it’s just too hot in there. Restoration of the oil industry is way behind, as are other key factors.
We need a few more months to eliminate the bulk of the terrorists, fedayeen, Baath, criminals, and other troublemakers. After that it should be smooth sailing.
I wish this were true, but I just can’t see it. Iraq has virtually open borders with Syria and Iran, and every Tom, Dick, and Abdul who wants a crack at ambushing an American, or blowing one up, is free to enter. Our capacity to track these people down is very limited: think of how hard homeland security is here, and think of how hard it would be with no FBI, INS, or reliable police force, and open borders with hostile states. Remember also that there are many people nominally supporting us who would love to see a premature exit. Nothing there is simple.
Regarding Iraqi goodwill, I don't believe we will lose it.
Believe me, if our guys start shooting into crowds, we will lose it, and fast. |
