The surge in U.S. troops in Iraq has produced measurable improvements in the war-torn country’s security, according to a new intelligence assessment. It’s a shred of good news, but it’s tempered by the fact the Iraqi government has failed to reach a political consensus on how to deal with the warring factions inside the country.
How much longer can our troops be expected to remain in harm’s way as they hold the peace in a country that can’t govern itself? The report suggests the Iraqi government is likely to become even more precarious over the next six months.
On the same day the report was issued, Sen. John Warner, who some consider to be the most influential Republican on military affairs, called for troop withdrawal to begin by Christmas. Outgoing chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Peter Pace, also plans to recommend to President Bush that U.S. troop levels be reduced by almost half next year, according to the Los Angeles Times. If true, that would directly challenge a report from the U.S. commander in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, which is expected to call for sustained troop levels in Iraq through next year. That report is scheduled to be be released next month.
The intelligence assessment indicated there are signs of a decrease in violence in some parts of the country but notes Iraqis have failed to govern effectively or reach the political compromises necessary to tamp down sectarian violence. The surge can’t last forever, which is why the Iraqi government, with U.S. support, must find a way to stabilize its country.
President Bush has opposed setting a date for any drawdown and contends that conditions on the ground should dictate deployments. Military leaders in Iraq rejected Warner’s suggestion.
The recommendations from Warner and Pace could add weight to administration critics, including many Democrats, who have called for a change in course in Iraq. Sen. Ken Salazar said that Warner’s recommendation is consistent with legislation he co-sponsored to “bring a new strategy to the war in Iraq by changing the mission of our troops from combat to support, begin a major diplomatic offensive in the region, and put additional pressure on the Iraqi government to take responsibility for the future of their country.”
Even though American troops are creating a more secure environment, Iraqi leaders have failed to make progress.
As Warner said, the Iraqi government has let our troops down.
