The Way Forward out of the storm in Iraq

The troop surge in Bagdad will help improve security. The US should have no problem finding the troops. There are presently 53,000 in Europe and 20,000 marines in Japan. Both Europe and Japan do not presently need US assistance for peace and security as they both have the ability to defend themselves.

In Iraq  a troop surge must go hand in hand with political, economic and legal reforms. Iraq is a wealthy nation and should be called upon to pay for its own security. Other US and international organizations such as the World Bank, UN, Nato and other US government agencies, such as State, Justice and Energy departments, should also do more.

Private groups such as Spirit of America can do more taping into a grass roots movement. Major Brit Rosenberrry has shown us the way to change our thinking and not to think within the box. Have a look at Bill Roggio's articles from Iraq on how to improve the effectiveness of the Iraqi troops and police. Their needs are ignored. Requests for equipment and basic supplies and pay are ignored. This is outrageous and scandalous. Time to also change some of the military leadership so we get leaders who can get the job finished.

President Lincoln fired a lot of generals until he got Grant and Sherman. We need capable generals who fight to win and who have the support of the troops. Same for the Iraqi generals.

Officers such as Lt. Col Alford, commanders of the 3/6 and Lt. Col Starling, Operations Officer of RCT-2 should be promoted. Bonuses  should also be paid to good officers who get the job done. These officers are professionals and are the best in the world and should be rewarded with promotions, honours and bonuses. How about a mortgage free house for the officers and their families. They deserve it! The best should be compensated accordingly.

The private foundations should also come to bat for our guys. They have billions to invest and they have a hard time finding worthy causes. What is more worthy then the work of American troops and their humanitarian work, such the work of Major Britt Rosenberry? The Major is our guy and he is doing really super work. Help him with your money and give back to your country!

Military and political defeat are not options. Russia, China and other regional powers should also be brought in, at very least on the political front.

At the same time more Iraqis should be trained to assume responsibility for their own security. Bill Roggio has made good recommendations on improving their effectivesness. Have a look at his articles.

In the absence of reconciliation and reform, another option is to divide Iraq into three States, and allow the main three ethnic groups to govern themselves. This option does not presently have support; however, if the existing single State cannot function, it is preferrable that three smaller States exist where security, peace and prosperity have a  chance. The Kurds in northern Iraq have done a good job to date and they provide an alternative model moving forward as an alternative to defeat.