A Major Victory (Iraq)

NRO ^ | April 24, 2006 | Masthead Editorial

[neverdem]

The selection of a compromise prime minister in Iraq is a major victory for that country’s fledgling political class, and for the Bush administration. Purveyors of doom on Iraq now have some explaining to do: If the country is in the midst of a full-scale civil war fatal to our project there, how is it that elected representatives of the major factions were able to sit down and hammer out an agreement on the top positions in a national unity government? Iraq pessimists act like they have a special immunity from ever having to recalibrate their view of the conflict, as they instead move on to the latest iteration of their metaphysical despair.

The deal on the prime minister brings within reach the Bush administration's longtime goal of creating a government that includes all Iraqi factions and gets Sunni parties into the political process once and for all. The theory is that this will reduce violence by dragging elements of the Sunni insurgency into legitimate politics as well. Nice theories don't always work out in Iraq, as we have learned over the last three years. But this one has a chance of success. Immediately after the war, the Sunnis didn't have the political leadership of the Kurds, who had governed themselves for ten years, and the Shia, who quickly rallied around Ayatollah Sistani. No one claiming to speak for the Sunnis had any real legitimacy. But the Sunnis made the strategic choice to participate in last December's elections, and now they have political leaders with real roots in their communities and sway over the men wielding guns and IEDs.

The negotiations over a prime minister were messy, dragged on too long, and represented a loss of momentum from the triumph of December 15 elections. But the final result is welcome. Former prime minister Ibrahim al-Jafaari, who two months ago had narrowly won the endorsement of the Shia parties to stay in office, is out of the job. The Bush administration viewed him as weak and incompetent, and so did the Kurds, the Sunnis, and even many Shia. It is a bit of a mystery how he managed to pull out his victory among the Shia parties in the first place. He was backed by the thug-cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who engaged in a power struggle with the U.S. over whether the prime minister would stay in power and — crucially — lost. The Shia coalition slowly realized that Jafaari was a non-starter given the opposition of the U.S. and Kurds and Sunnis, and picked another candidate, Jawad al-Maliki. This outcome is an important signal to the Sunnis: If they play in Iraqi politics, they can make a difference.

Maliki’s virtues shouldn’t be exaggerated. He comes from the same Islamist Dawa party as Jafaari, and has been cool to the U.S. But he is an Iraqi nationalist — an important quality given the dangerous Iranian influence in the country — and has a reputation as an experienced, skilled politician. He obviously has significant challenges ahead, foremost among them forming a government over the next 30 days in a very volatile political environment. It is crucial that clean and effective officials be put in charge of the ministries of defense and interior. If progress has been made in reconstituting an Iraqi army, the police are still in disarray, infiltrated by Shia thugs. Iraqis are much more comfortable opening their doors when the Americans come knocking than when the police do. That has to change. The Shia militias, who have contributed more than their share to the sectarian violence of late, will have to be put out of business eventually. This would have been easier to do a couple of years ago, but if militias can be defanged in Afghanistan, the same can happen in Iraq.

The political process is Iraq is the key to the country's political future, which is why the deadlock in recent months was so discouraging. But it now looks like the Iraqi politicians were employing their usual MO of teetering on the brink of catastrophe before pulling back. They have a real chance now of forming a government that is legitimate (some people set off fireworks in the streets of Baghdad to mark the breakthrough) and inclusive. But even if the national element of the insurgency weakens, the foreign jihadists aren't going away, and will continue their savage attempts to foment a civil war. The problems with Iraq's economy and infrastructure, exacerbated by the violence, will also endure. But as long as Iraqi leaders are willing to compromise, and — however haltingly — to point the country forward, the catastrophic collapse sought by the terrorists will not happen. And victory, in the form of the establishment of a decent, stable government capable of defending itself, will remain in sight.

[Allegra]

Oh, I could have given you answsers. I'm in Iraq and have been for over two years.

I suspect you would not have liked my answers, though.

[trubluolyguy]

I'm in Iraq and have been for over two years.

---

Well thank you for serving.

[justshutupandtakeit]

Yes it is a major victory since it has brought the Sunni into the political arena hence weakening the Terrorists both in Iraq and in the world at large. Too bad the "Are We There Yet Mommy?" kids cannot recognize such things.

Also unfortunate is the "Are We There Yet Mommy?" kids have no knowledge of history in order that events can be placed in proper perspective.

The United States did not have an effective government until 12 years after independence was declared. So Iraq has made great progress.

Anyone capable of Geopolitical thinking understands that our troops will be in this area for a decade or more because of the other threats in the area. Iraq has been won though there are still rough edges. Zarqawi is yesterday's news and is losing allies and power as each day passes. His allies are now mainly the Party of Treason here, the Treason Media and Euroweenies. Al Queda's defeat in Iraq has been so decisive that it is now planning to withdraw and concentrate on Israel and Eygpt.

[Allegra]

Thank you for being nice. To be honest, I've been here since January '04, and the progress has been amazing. It's frustrating to us here to see how the news twists and distorts the truth so very badly. They NEVER report any of the good here and they exaggerate most of the bad.

Things are coming together and I will stake my reputation on saying that this is going to work.

Take care.

[StarCMC]

LMAO -- you forgot to stick your tongue out! He he he!

[Chgogal]

We have military bases in German, Japan, South Korea, Greece, etc. to remind everyone that we are ready, willing and able. Why becuase people like you forget so fast. How do I know that, well because you ask inane questions.

Now back to the topic of why Iraq is a victory.

Because the losses to date however tragic each and everyone is to the individual, the family, the friends and the country it is nothing compared to other wars. And if Iraq was truly as lost as MSM and the Democrats claim we would have thousands upon thousands of more KIAs. Why do I say that? Iraq is one big stockpile of weapons. At the beginning of the war there was 25 MILLION TONS of weapons just lying around. If there was a REAL insurgency we would have suffered way more than 2,700 KIAs, way more than 17,000 WIAs. Compare Iraq with the Battle of the Bulge in WW2. Under the Democratic civilian leadership the troops where short bullets and winter gear. In that 6 week battle the US suffered 80,000 casualties (of which about 19,000 were KIA). It has taken more than three years to hit the 25% mark. That is how puny this MSM insurrection is and every time MSM whines, every time the CIA leaks a national security secret the risk of turning this amazing victory into a defeat increases. There you have it. Now you can whine and complain about tragic stats but the fact remains that (1) the Iraqis voted, (2) the Iraqis formed a government and (3) we won an amazing military victory. Yes birthing a free and democratic nation is difficult and trying but remember our country's birth was bloodier and took much longer. Heck the Brits had the gall to burn down our WH in 1812 and we fought our bloody Civil War 120 years after we declared Independence from the then World Power.

To jec41: Please say thank you to your son for me. The 101st has a special place in my heart! They almost freed my Dad in WW2. The 101st did get as far as Eindhoven! "Nuts!"...I just love the Bastards of Bastonge. :)

[jec41]

Here is one of the magnificent bastards!!!!

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1983, has awarded in the name of Congress the Medal of Honor posthumously to:
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JOE E. MANN

UNITED STATES ARMY

for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.

Rank and Organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Troop H, 502d Parachute Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. Place and Date: Best, Holland, 18 September 1944. Entered Service at: Seattle, Washington. Birth: Reardon, Washington. General Order No. 73, 30 August 1945. Citation: He distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty. On 18 September 1944, in the vicinity of Best, Holland, his platoon, attempting to seize the bridge across the Wilhelmina canal, was surrounded and isolated by an enemy force greatly superior in personnel and firepower. Acting as lead scout, PFC Mann boldly crept to within rocket-launcher range of an enemy artillery position and in the face of heavy enemy fire, destroyed an 88mm gun and an ammunition dump. Completely disregarding the great danger involved, he remained in his exposed position, and with his M1 rifle, killed the enemy one by one until he was wounded four times. Taken to a covered position, he insisted on returning to a forward position to stand guard during the night. On the following morning the enemy launched a concerted attack and advanced to within a few yards of the position, throwing hand grenades as they approached. One of these landed within a few feet of PFC Mann. Unable to raise his hands, which were bandaged to his body, he yelled "grenade" and threw his body over the grenade, and as it exploded, died. His outstanding gallantry above and beyond the call of duty and his magnificent conduct were an everlasting inspiration to his comrades for whom he gave his life.

[Chgogal]

There are no words grand enough to match the bravery, the honor, and the courage exhibited by PFC Joe E. Mann. This country, no the world, has been blessed with the smartest, bravest, most humble of soldiers imaginable. Can you conceive of a world without the U.S. soldier? I cannot. Thank you so much for sharing.

P.S. BTW, is he a relation?

[jec41]

I email my son every couple of days and he can answer OK. Not like the old days where one was just gone until they got back. However he puts it this way. There have been ~67,700 murders in the US since 2001 by criminals, terrorists, perverts and in general people who just want to kill each other. We have lost ~2500 soldiers in Iraq and about 500 from accidents. There are 5 times more people in the US (300 Million) than Iraq (60 million). 44,100 murdered in the US in the last 3 years divided by 5 is 8020 for the same population. And the 8020 divided by 2000 soldiers killed in Iraq is 4. He thinks his chances of getting killed here is about 4 times as great as getting killed in Iraq. American casualty rate is really low considering the Iraq population killed.

[jec41]

P.S. BTW, is he a relation?

No, I knew his history from my time in the service at FT Campbell in the 60's. The post theater is named the Mann Theater and everyone knows its history and what it represents. There use to be a ceremony that you were required to attend at the Mann Theater when you were assigned to 101st.

[Chgogal]

I like the way your son works the numbers. He can also add the 45,000 killed in auto accidents although I don't know the fatality rate in Iraq. And yes the Iraqis are fighting hard for their freedom. In a way it is very important that they "earn" their freedom. It will have so much more meaning years from now when they look back. They will understand the true cost of liberty.

Your son is a blessing to us back here in the states. Please remember to thank him for us.

Here is a good read just in case you missed it.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1619260/posts

[Chgogal]

Just wondered, the first and middle initials J.E., that's all. So, your son is second generation Screaming Eagles, now that IS tradition! PFC Mann was extraordinary. Thank you for your service. It is an honor. :)

[avacado]

---So our folks are coming home? No. Al Zarqawi caught/dead? hmmmm, No. What is the major victory again?---

First and foremost, a moral victory of removing a JACK-BOOT totalitarian regime known for using chemical weapons (aka WMD) in campaigns of genocide against innocent civilians. And the subsequent progress of of the 25 million people of Iraq moving forward with an electoral government!

I could go on, and on, but for any decent human with a soul, that should be enough!

And please, quit acting like you care for the troops! My two nephews fought in Iraq in the Samarra area out of the F.O.B Camp Anaconda.

Have you sent the troops packages? Packages of snacks, magazines...???

Do not answer that. I know you have not. You left-wing cowards who care for no one but yourselves use the troops for your agenda! You care not one bit about our brave U.S. Troops!

Get out of here, you make me sick.

[jec41]

Just wondered, the first and middle initials J.E., that's all. So, your son is second generation Screaming Eagles, now that IS tradition!

Jec is my initials and 41 my birth year. My son is not in the 101st. He first went in the Navy from high school then enlisted in the Army during that period he married a engineer and got his electrical engineering degree. he is a Intel officer and battle Captain.

[Chgogal]

Oh I see. I assumed 41 was the YOB. Did the reemergence of the mini-peacemovement bring back any memories? I was in grade school and high school during the Hippie Years. When it started all over again, I became furious and promised myself I would not remain silent and I haven't. The GWOT will not become another Vietnam. Do you feel cheated regarding the amazing military victories our troops have given us? To date MSM and Hollywood have not allowed us to savor the heroism displayed not only on 9/11 but on the Battlefields in the countries so far away. We were not able to savor a minute of it due to the constant negativity and whining? I feel cheated.

Your son has quite an interesting career in the Army. Is his wife still in the service or does she have to patiently wait at home and worry? That too is a very difficult job. I'm glad you can stay in touch with him. It is comforting.

[trubluolyguy]

Do not answer that. I know you have not.

---

You know two things about me, Jack and $hit.