Change goes on in Iraq

Sierra Vista Herald/Bisbee Review ^

[SandRat]

As a new security pact is being negotiated and as Barack Obama prepares to take over the White House, life goes on in Iraq for U.S. troops and the Iraqi government.

But that life is changing. According to an Associated Press report on Wednesday, U.S. forces are moving into larger bases and out of the cities and rural areas where they were living next to the Iraqi people and had gained the trust of those people. That had helped to reduce the level of violence in the country. Living near the people is part of the strategy of Gen. David Petraeus that is partially credited with slowing the violence that plagued Iraq only a year or so ago.

Moving U.S. troops to the larger bases is one that could possibly be preparing for a delayed negotiation process over a new security pact to allow Americans to have military might in Iraq, or it could be a preparation for a shift in focus from Iraq to Afghanistan. But the AP reports the U.S. goal is to be out of all Iraqi cities by June of next year.

Whatever the reasoning behind the move, this type of shift will put more responsibility on the Iraqi army and Iraqi police. They will have to directly keep security and deal with immediate issues in areas where Americans have pulled out.

The question that remains is whether the Iraqis are ready to secure their own nation. Putting the responsibilities in their hands is the ultimate test.

Militants haven’t gone away. There have been bombings in three days in Baghdad, the nation’s capital. And the militants who want to produce the chaos in which they thrive will probably try to test the Iraqi forces as the transition between Americans and Iraqis continues.

The shift in policy is one that could reveal a lot about the state of the Iraqi troops. And it will be a test of the Iraqi and American working relationship. Success could make a stronger case for U.S. forces starting to withdraw in larger numbers from Iraq.

[BCW]

Without the “holding” action - these small villages and towns will fall victim to insurgent activity...

[Cherokee Conservative]

Just as soon as That One takes over, the terrorists will see it as an open invitation to resume suicide attacks. Lord Farkwad has committed himself to pulling troops out in 16 months, and the enemy knows that. Perhaps they won't try anything on Bush's watch, but they'd be foolish not to take advantage of our weak-on-defense President elect. Of course, he'll just blame Bush. But, at the end of the day, it's his war now. He won't be able to pretend Al Qaeda isn't in Iraq forever. No wonder he looks scared.