Chuck,
Thank you for your post. I fully agree that present policy in Iraq is not a winning policy. The Brits, at the hight of the Imperial power in late 1800's had two school thoughs: I believe they were: Forward Policy, and Masterly Inactivity!
The forward policy did not not pay, Britain got herself invovled in to loosing invasions of Afganstan (both invasions proved to be desasters!!), creating on SPR by Gen. Percy Sykes and occupation of Southeren Iran between 1916 to 1921, (this was another defeat, no matter what the clains were!,stationing of troops by GeneralDunster (Dunsteforce) in Mashed, across from Russian borders in Transcaspia, and finally occupation of Baku (short and sweet). All were part of the Bolshi Igra, the Great Game that was played between the two super powers, Russia and United Kingdom. Forward policy is often a defeat not a victory, it didn't work then, and it will not work know.
This game has to be paid with smartenss and not sheer force. Mistakes have been made, and Bush admin. is the first one to admit that. Pulling out maybe be more harmful than to stay in, it is not an easy question to answer. Regards
Alex |
