8 Factors to Consider: The War in Iraq

Jim Mageau and I are both veterans. As friends, I respect his knowledge on matters involving government and politics. His candor is refreshing. We differ on our views and conclusions concerning the War in Iraq. I believe Jim’s 12/10 ProJo comments are supported by his sense of patriotism, but might be lacking a deeper perspective. (1) History. Seldom will an occupying force successfully cause a shift within a culture (secular vs. religious) unless remaining for at least one generation.

(2) Culture. There are over one billion peaceful Muslims in the world. Islamic traditions of the three Iraq "republics" are over two millennia old. Militia loyalties, regional autonomy and religious/secular issues need to be considered. Is western civilization expected to emerge in a few years? Should it?

(3) Military. The Iraq military is a militia of the three sects: Sunni, Shi'ite and Kurd. The Shi'ites attack the Sunnis as reprisal for Saddam/Sunni rule, tortures and killings. Iraq’s police and military must focus on national priorities. It’s doubtful. What prevents Iraq Shi’ites from joining the Iranian Shi’ite majority?

(4) Constitution. This document allows the republics to disassociate from the Iraq nation, which is likely, as Kurds and Shi'ites have oil in their regions with Sunnis supporting terrorist attacks, as many were formerly Saddam's old military. Other insurgents will continue to attack simply because we are present in Iraq. Islamic law provides women almost no rights and can overrule this constitution.

(5) Power vacuum. Created after Desert Storm with Saddam trying to appear strong enough to prevent attacks by the Iran and its Shi'ite majority. That's an old score there to settle. Maintaining the U.S. Navy’s Battle Carrier Group Roosevelt is a formidable forward deployed deterrent, as is Congressman Murtha's suggestion of keeping a "reserve" in Kuwait. Peacekeeping is the U.N.’s job.

(6) We broke it. We did, but primarily during Desert Storm because of Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. Let Iraq rebuild and we can supply resources as needed.

(7) Patriotism. I'd rather honor our troops by keeping them alive. There is no dishonor in taking care of our young troops who have professionally done what they were supposed to do. Having no exit strategy dishonors them. We do not have the forces or the economic ability for a sustained presence, which does point out other issues. We do need to consider starting with a more robust military and elected officials with the foresight to know when to use them, how and where.

(8) Domestic agenda. Over $225 billion of our tax dollars have been depleted by this war and worsened with the Bush wealth tax cuts. These cuts and the war have adversely affected the lives of our children and our elderly. Our domestic security should be a priority, certainly after the dreadful 9/11 report findings. It begins with more first responders and reforming our foreign and oil policies.

Whether, we are in Iraq for 6 days, weeks years or decades with or without the support of Iraq's citizens, terrorists will target the U.S. and all democracies unless we find better solutions to prevent these attacks. Bombings in both England and Spain are proof of this need. Let Iraqi’s self-govern, so we can do the same.