Even for those who believe there is no civil war going on in Iraq, the new US Commander General Patraeus, says an end to the war would only come by bringing in the "militant" groups and giving them a voice at political tables.
He is quoted in the article with the following thoughts:
"There is no military solution to a problem like that in Iraq. Military action is necessary to help improve security... but it is not sufficient. There needs to be a political aspect.”
I want to know what the extent of "political aspect" covers. Does he mean economic development, rebuilding, and policy/ strategy. Or does he mean political power and decision making? Or could it be a combination of both?
What is clear is that we can have as many troops as we want there to keep the peace and stop "militants" but the "War" will not be won without some other form of development. Remember, we are "building a democracy" where it has never really existed, so this type of bloodshed is really just "resistance to change". What is clear is that even the top military leaders of this "War" believe that a military presence alone CANNOT WIN THE WAR! There needs to be other plans in place for economic and political development. I sure hope someone in Washington is going to listen to General Patraeus and make a plan for the "political aspect."
Thursday, March 08, 2007
New General in Iraq-- A Military Solution is Not Enough
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Your question will be answered if you read the transcript of the entire news conference.
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10475&Itemid=128
"Department of State/Department of Defense initiative to double the number of Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Iraq from 10 to 20.
As with the military effort, the focus will be on Baghdad and Al Anbar Province. These PRTs will draw on civilian and military expertise to help the Iraqis build capacity in the provinces and support local initiatives. "
Thank you for the link Richard, that was very helpful.
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