I kind of lean your way, but steadfastness and perseverance alone may not be sufficient if the method is inadequate. I am against "unlimited destruction" but I do think that substantially more military power needs to be applied. It is my understanding of the culture of our enemies as well as the nature of war that leads to that view: Culturally, the arab world believes in force and only yields to force or an credible threat of force. Until and unless they see it applied, they will judge us beatable.
It is in the nature of war, especially with such an opponent, that the opponent will not surrender as long as he believes he has a chance to prevail or even survive (ie: live to fight another day). Of course, there are no absolutes and a lot depends on the rationality of the enemy. The Japanese "needed" to see the devastation of 2 A-Bombs before their irrational belief in the Divine right of the Empire crumbled. Hitler "needed" to see Berlin crumbling over his very head and even then, would not surrender.
What am I saying? Respectfully, I yield to the military FReepers, but I offer this with all due humility: All of the following would have to be preceded by a major policy announcement outlining these changes:
1. The U.S. Military will no longer defer to Iraqi government control, nor consult with same. The U.S. Military is their to serve American interests first and foremost, while trying to help the Iraqi people secure their freedom.
2. U.S. Military operations and facilities will now be under absolute media blackout. Media violating the security guidelines under the blackout are subject to immediate arrest and imprisonment. Media personell observed interfering with or compromising U.S. combat or intelligence operations are subject to being shot on sight.
3. Any structure found to be housing terrorists (formerly known as insurgents), terrorist equipment, terrorist infrastructure or communications will be destroyed. Any structure found to be housing those providing any aid and comfort to terrorists will be destroyed.
4. (This is from another poster) Border checkpoints shall be the only places of transit over Iraqi national borders. Any vehicle or individual observed crossing outside the checkpoints will be destroyed on sight. No compensation will be paid to any party from such operations.
5. This may not be part of announcement and may require more troops. Cities, towns and villages known to be major centers of terrorism and terrorist sympathy will be placed under strict curfew. The city will be placed under full military cordon. Only food and medical supplies will travel through the cordon. U.S. forces (and any Iraqi forces worthwhile) will conduct house to house operations, neighborhood by neighborhood. Any weapons, explosives, bomb-making materials or other terrorist related material will be deemed contraband and subject to immediate seizure. Of course, any terrorist suspects will be subject to immediate arrest. If fired upon from any structure, American forces are authorized to destroy that structure immediately. I propose starting with Fallujah. After completion of the sweep, U.S. forces will withdraw but maintain curfew rules and cordon. The city will then be notified that, upon determination that any further terrorist attack originated in that city/town/village or any American forces were fired upon from that place, the city/town/village will be destroyed on 48 hours' evacuation notice.
6. All mosques or other religious facilities are to be treated like any other structure. See, paragraph 3.
7. Militias, such as the Mahdi Army are outlawed. Any armed force or persons observed anywhere who are not authorized by American authorities will be destroyed on sight.
8. Demonstrations shall be by permit only with time, place and manner strictly controlled by U.S. Military authorities. There shall be an absolute ban on any display of weapons at any demonstration.
9. Providing aid, comfort or information to any terrorist is punishable by death. Accepting or agreeing to accept a bribe in exchange for any information regarding U.S. Military or civilian operations or for compromising any security function or facility is punishable by death.
10. Iran and Syria should be notified that commencing immediately, upon determination of any assistance rendered to terrorists operating in Iraq, the U.S. will destroy a major Iranian or Syrian facility or infrastructure, military or civilian.
11. The policies established today will remain in effect until there is a cessation of all terrorist activity for a period of no less than 180 days and the Iraqi military assumes complete responsibility for all security measures.
I know all the objections about unrealism, worldwide condemnation, lack of political will, etc.
A true American leader, (think Reagan and even Roosevelt) would make the announcement himself on global broadcast and would say: not one more American serviceman will die unnecessarily on my watch. America is a great, generous and patient nation and we have tried every means possible to avoid these steps: diplomacy, reconstruction, technical assistance, educational, medical and all forms of social support but to no avail. Let this be unmistakably clear: Today, I am renewing the declaration of the War on Terror. The time for the niceties of diplomacy and understanding are over. We will destroy our enemies, whoever and wherever they may be.
Ahhh, I feel better now.
What you propose makes perfect sense, but it ain't gonna happen. It wouldn't be "nice", and might irritate the terrorists. That seems to be our "leaders" primary concern these days when dealing with the psychopaths in the Middle East and elsewhere.