If...
The Financial Times reports that Mr. Bush is expected to look for an increase of 20,000 to 30,000 troops "as a short-term boost to the existing 140,000 level, with the aim of stabilising the violence in Baghdad and surrounding provinces." But again, opposition within his own party could create a problem.
then... in effect, this has been a dramatic failure with overwhelming consequences, no?
VICTORY IN IRAQ DEFINED
As the central front in the global war on terror, success in Iraq is an essential element in the long war against the ideology that breeds international terrorism. Unlike past wars, however, victory in Iraq will not come in the form of an enemy's surrender, or be signaled by a single particular event -- there will be no Battleship Missouri, no Appomattox. The ultimate victory will be achieved in stages, and we expect:
- In the short term:
- An Iraq that is making steady progress in fighting terrorists and neutralizing the insurgency, meeting political milestones; building democratic institutions; standing up robust security forces to gather intelligence, destroy terrorist networks, and maintain security; and tackling key economic reforms to lay the foundation for a sound economy.
- In the medium term:
- An Iraq that is in the lead defeating terrorists and insurgents and providing its own security, with a constitutional, elected government in place, providing an inspiring example to reformers in the region, and well on its way to achieving its economic potential.
- In the longer term:
- An Iraq that has defeated the terrorists and neutralized the insurgency.
- An Iraq that is peaceful, united, stable, democratic, and secure, where Iraqis have the institutions and resources they need to govern themselves justly and provide security for their country.
- An Iraq that is a partner in the global war on terror and the fight against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, integrated into the international community, an engine for regional economic growth, and proving the fruits of democratic governance to the region.
Will changing course and or inserting additional troops band-aid an already hemorrhaging amputation? Losing the hearts and minds in the first wave of violence after declaring Mission Accomplished eroded any hopes of establishing support for our efforts. Failing on the rebuilding plans and refusing to use local expertise and manpower will be a strategic error we'll never recover from. Re-resorting to shock & awe logic will not provide Iraq or the US with the peace in the final step above.