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I agree in that I think a nuclear or other extremely violent American response will not be helpful. However, there are other methods. At least a significant portion of the Sunni triangle wants us out. We should leave that area, but not the country. However, that does not mean we let the babarians take over...we just don't pay the price in blood ourselves. I suggest that we bring in Iraqi forces to institute control in the triangle. By Iraqi, I mean Kurds, preferably the remains of the Barzani clan. Or at least Shia forces interested in forcing the Sunnis to toe the line. Vary how tight or loose a leash we keep on their vengeance based on the actions of the Sunnis. Don't give them the chance to fight us...make them fight their countrymen.

Furthermore, it looks like these were civilians....there should be no, and I mean NO reconstruction in the rebellious area. Peace THEN reconstruction. Simply say that the Sunni triangle is too dangerous for civilian reconstruction efforts and let them wallow in their pathetic misery as their countrymen rebuild and get a leg up...an advantage that will only become harder and harder to overcome. Ensure that as they fight, they lose in real and tangible ways.

If they want to fight the authority...they fight their countrymen. But also turn those Sunnis who want to get on with their lives against those who want to disrupt stabilization efforts. Isolate the enemy, turn his friends against them and make sure that time is on your side.

"I agree in that I think a nuclear or other extremely violent American response will not be helpful. However, there are other methods. At least a significant portion of the Sunni triangle wants us out. We should leave that area, but not the country. However, that does not mean we let the babarians take over...we just don't pay the price in blood ourselves. I suggest that we bring in Iraqi forces to institute control in the triangle. By Iraqi, I mean Kurds, preferably the remains of the Barzani clan. Or at least Shia forces interested in forcing the Sunnis to toe the line. Vary how tight or loose a leash we keep on their vengeance based on the actions of the Sunnis. Don't give them the chance to fight us...make them fight their countrymen. "

Hmmmm, start a civil war, what a great plan.