Next Steps for Iraq
What obligation does the United States
have to Iraq and its people?
Like many people who believe the invasion of Iraq
was a bad idea, I don't support Bush's latest plans to try to redeem his failed
policies in this war. On the other hand, it seems to me that the United States
now has an ethical obligation to help Iraq recover from the tragic consequences
of the turmoil that has followed from the invasion. We can't simply walk away
and blame the Iraqis for whatever happens
next.
I have more questions than answers about this obligation and what should be done about it. What can we do--if anything--that will be really effective? What limits can be set on the sacrifice, time and treasure that we should commit? What can we possibly do about the many irreversible consequences, including the deaths of thousands of people, many of them innocent? Whose obligation is this, and who should bear the costs?
I think we've reached the point where the presence of American military forces is doing more harm (e.g., by triggering anti-occupation sentiments and actions) than good. We need to recognize how limited a role military power can have in this kind of situation, despite the talent, courage and dedication of our troops. Of course, every other kind of action (including advising, training, diplomacy, reconstruction, and financial support) also has limitations. Some combination of approaches, carefully planned and executed, may eventually be able to bring good results. Unfortunately, this administration hasn't convinced me it has much capacity for careful planning and execution, especially outside the realm of military assault.
There will be no quick, easy and sure path to a stable, peaceful and independent Iraq, but the U.S. must take a huge share of responsibility for helping the Iraqi people move forward on a long and difficult path toward that goal. Ending what is seen as a military occupation will be an important step.
I have more questions than answers about this obligation and what should be done about it. What can we do--if anything--that will be really effective? What limits can be set on the sacrifice, time and treasure that we should commit? What can we possibly do about the many irreversible consequences, including the deaths of thousands of people, many of them innocent? Whose obligation is this, and who should bear the costs?
I think we've reached the point where the presence of American military forces is doing more harm (e.g., by triggering anti-occupation sentiments and actions) than good. We need to recognize how limited a role military power can have in this kind of situation, despite the talent, courage and dedication of our troops. Of course, every other kind of action (including advising, training, diplomacy, reconstruction, and financial support) also has limitations. Some combination of approaches, carefully planned and executed, may eventually be able to bring good results. Unfortunately, this administration hasn't convinced me it has much capacity for careful planning and execution, especially outside the realm of military assault.
There will be no quick, easy and sure path to a stable, peaceful and independent Iraq, but the U.S. must take a huge share of responsibility for helping the Iraqi people move forward on a long and difficult path toward that goal. Ending what is seen as a military occupation will be an important step.
Posted: Mon - January 15, 2007 at 10:43 AM by email
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Published On: Feb 25, 2007 07:18 PM
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Published On: Feb 25, 2007 07:18 PM