August 11, 2007
Iraq remedy: The main necessity for extrication
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To extricate one's arm from a toilet, it's a necessity to first let go of the large shiny object you've wrapped your fist around.
I've been laughing for a day or so now.
The source of humor was the description of the Iraq situation from one of the usual 'inside' narcissistic bright minds. He said that figuring out the Iraq situation was like "playing three dimensional chess in the dark while you are being shot at."
The actuality of how to deal with and accommodate or not accommodate the various parties goals and motives is logically inordinately simple.
A. America can neither stay in Iraq nor leave Iraq and have easy, cordial, aligned interests with any eventually arising central dominant force/government.
B. If America semi 'stands down' behind a multinational force the chances for a settlement and a hopeful future for Iraq (and the region) brighten.
C. Alternatively, if America insists on a continuing presence they should henceforth implement a tri-part Iraq. Post establishment of same, the U.S. could implement massive aid to each faction and a return to the time honored foreign policy of "bribe-the-dictator."
The metaphor I prefer for the Iraqi quagmire is that America forcefully shoved its arm into a deeply murky toilet to retrieve a bright shiny object. To extricate itself it simply needs to unclasp its rigid grasp and withdrawal will easily proceed.
This simple and logical opinion arrives at the same conclusion as that of the Iraq Study Group. Their advice was:
A. Inform the Iraqis et al that the U.S. will eventually disassemble their major bases in Iraq and leave. ("Let go of the shiny object!")
B. Form a multinational force (preferably with Arab country participation) to oversee security and policy making for Iraq. ("Take your arm out of the toilet.)
Craig Johnson
Labels: Iraq, surge, tri part solution, withdrawal
