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Politics : Foreign Affairs Discussion Group -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: cnyndwllr who wrote (131459)	5/5/2004 9:38:47 AM
From: Hawkmoon	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 281500

"the possible plan by which WE COULD get Iraq "socially rehabilitated...restructured...and created," is, according to your post, sending more troops. Troops equate to a greater ability to provide security. We tried to use a limited force in order to achieve the goal, which was certainly controversial, but some felt appropriate at the time. There were justifiable reasons for not committing 1/4 of a million US soldiers to Iraq, including other global committments. I think it's probably clear that we should have "gone in heavier" and definitely targeted Fedeyeen and SRG command and control in a more decisive manner.. We certainly should have been better prepared financially to reconstruct Iraq from day one.. And maybe Zinni's plan should have been used for invading Iraq.. But that's in the past now, and we have to extricate some large measure of success from this, even if it requires a larger effort in order to do so.. The enemy had few sanctuaries to hide in. Few supply lines that they can rely upon to keep them supplied, or to regroup and reorganize around.. But one thing is certain... If we're not perceived as stronger than the insurgents, Baathist and Islamist, we're not going to be able to entice the moderates remaining in Iraq to stick their necks out. I truly believe we have the support of a significant percentage of the Iraqi population. But they are frightened and in fear for their lives (and they should be). Hence, if it takes more troops, tanks, and armored vehicles, to bring that security, then we need to do it.. I also welcome Gen. Abizaid's long-overdue request that Arab nations in the region to supply personnel to assist. But who knows what "price" will be demanded in exchange.. Hawk