I stated back when we first went in that this would be at least a 10 year commitment if not longer and we better have the stomach for it.
Why so long? Because the lessons of past wars has taught us that its not enough to “secure victory” to just kill the enemy and exit. I am NOT talking about nation building. I am talking about leaving a govt/national security force in place that is able to defend its own borders.
Iraq was secured on the ground. The Iraqi police and army have been put in place, though they have growing problems to be faced. But the last piece to be dealt with was a credible air force capable of defending its airspace from the likes of Iran. That has not had time to mature. Iraqi pilots are flying prop planes. An integrated air force with modern jets on par with Iran (F-16’s was the plan I thought) was not to be complete for another 5 or 6 years. It just takes that much time to train a cadre of pilots, crews, and instructors.
So our mission is not yet complete, and this administration, for political reasons, has put at risk all the gains paid for by American blood.
I would welcome the comments of folks like Allegra or others who might have some insight into the future state of the Iraqi air force now.
Look...we've done way more than enough for Iraq..and we are not responsible for building them an airforce. They have their oil revenues now let them build it themselves and pay to do so. They don't want us there now so let them "fly" on their own.
Furthermore, Iraq's not about to let Iran take them on...Iran can't afford a war with Iraq...nor the problems which would generate from. They've got too much of themsleves invested...and too good a life now to let some flea bag neighbor ruin it. Not going to happen.