Posted on 11/08/2005 2:27:01 PM PST by jmc1969
BAGHDAD – With military bearing and the signature thick mustaches of Iraqi officers, Sunni men are considering the government's fresh offer to rejoin the ranks.
Across town, a former Sunni general sees the offer not as a sellout, but a way out. "It's a very good start to improve the security situation," says Abu Nawar, who asked to go by his nickname. "This chaos and mayhem in Iraq started because of [the] decision to dissolve the Army."
Even as an insurgency rages, their uniforms have hung idly at home since US officials disbanded the Army - inadvertently fueling the rebellion - in May 2003. Officers' pockets are empty. Tables are bare. And emotions are mixed.
Like some 400,000 of their comrades, these three officers - interviewed separately across Baghdad - were dismissed 2 1/2 years ago when the US viceroy of occupied Iraq, Paul Bremer, dissolved the Army.
Deemed one of the biggest mistakes in the postwar era, that move is credited with helping turn a nascent resistance into a bloody insurgency by feeding it with legions of jobless and angry men who had explosives and military expertise.
"The idea, when those guys rejoin, is not to serve the Americans, but to serve their country," says the general, who says he will return if the invitation is extended to the highest ranks. "And they will fulfill the desire of Iraqis to make a strong Army, so the Americans can leave.
Still, the general, who is active in the politics of former officers, says the response has been "enthusiastic," and that "hundreds" of officers have come to him, asking him where to sign up.
(Excerpt) Read more at csmonitor.com ...
You don't need caps, but yes it is a very good sign.
They'll do it because they need jobs and money.
In the end of that day that is all this is really about. Money and power.
Cautious thumbs up
being Ex military I believe that there are some up sides to this.... there will of course need to be a serious hard look at those returning but most career military love their country... not those in power. Its called patriotism.
There is an massive amount of upside to this. These guys are far better fighters and better military men then the Shia and getting a mixed Sunni, Shia, and Kurdish Army is the fastest way to end the insurgency. The vast majority of Sunnis just want jobs and money.
..."This chaos and mayhem in Iraq started because of [the] decision to dissolve the Army." ...
umm, no.
Allawi brought back a good percentage of the Army. He simply reactivated old units. And, they were fiercely loyal to him.
Why? Because he was paying them well and they liked him personally.
The Iraqi Army would be loyal to anyone who is putting money in their pocket and they can somewhat stand.
Wolfawitz made the decision alone, he was convinced by Chalabi to disband the Army.
And, yes it was a massive blunder.
This article's bias is glaring.
"fueled the rebellion"
What "rebellion." If they overturn the Coalition/Iraqi Alliance, what political platform do they have? They are thugs and terrorists.
"viceroy" Paul Bremer.
IIRC, viceroy means regional imperial commander.
"Christian" "Science"
Gimme a break. This article and the CS Monitor's general slant shows they do not deserve their name. They have neither the morals and dedication toward trush as true Christians do, nor do they have the rigorous challenge that science demands.
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