Seems you've seen more than 99% of us here. I agree that there is no way we can lose militarily. Do you mind me asking, do you think we can win? How would we do that? And do you think that if the current status quo continued for years (ie..we need to be there for the next decade) does that constitute success?
Tired of uniformed opinions (particularly my own) and you seem to have first hand experience that would lend weight to your answer in my book. Thanks for any insight.
The prospect I fear is this: It seems very clear that we cannot lose this war militarily, but it is beginning to look as if we cannot truly win this war militarily, either. I am not saying that our military is not capable of doing their job, because they are truly the greatest fighting force in the world, but this entire situation seems to have troubling complexities about it.
We can win by continuing to do what we are doing now, i.e., maintain the overall security while gradually turning over more and more responsibily to the Iraqis. We are training their military and police forces to assume the security responsibilities. The infrastructure is being repaired and upgraded, which should ensure future economic success. We should encourage the Iraqi political class to work together and share power. There are limits to what we can do, but time is on our side.
Hopefully, the status quo won't obtain, but rather, improve. If we have the proper resolve, the level of violence will decline and the insurgency will go out with a wimper, not a bang. I believe we will be in Iraq for some time, but our military profile will continue to decline. Success will be defined in terms of political stability, a reduced level of violence, economic prosperity, and an improved infrastructure. Our presence will be needed for strategic reasons. Syria and Iran represent a real threat to Iraq and to ourselves as part of the global war on terror. Success in Iraq is not an option. We must achieve our objectives.