Listening to those who perceive such a positive change in Iraq due to the impact of the additional US military, one would be hard pressed to disagree with the glowing reports of gains.
And yet, we have noticed nothing that speaks to real change. There is no evidence the ethnic divisions are being bridged. Signs of reconciliation are not in sight. While there is additional stability in areas where we have the additional manpower, we also read that other areas are not secured and, for some, signs of deterioration. Areas in southern Iraq that were stabilized by the British are now experiencing internal conflict. Iraqi military is doing better, but at a price. We fortified the Sunnis with arms and money to help us and, in turn, they now are using their strength to solidify their own political aims.
Today, we read that Iraqi refined oil is used in the black market to support the insurgency, those very people who terrorize their fellow countrymen and kill our military. As much as 70% of the revenue from the refined oil is lost! And, John Burns reviews his five years in Baghdad by relating how mismanaged the whole invasion as been with the conclusion that the people only want the stability that they had under Hussein! To think that all of this money and blood (not only US and allied forces, but Iraqis themselves) will hopefully result in the stability enjoyed by the people by the infamous dictator!
No comments:
Post a Comment