General Keane and rethinking the Iraq quagmire

In a message dated 12/18/2006 11:44:03 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, Hubmaster writes:
We haven't heard much talk about retired Vice Chief of Staff General Jack Keane's proposal for a totally different level of engagement for Iraq and I think it bears some merit.

To attempt to paraphrase what he had said, it involved increasing the level of force protection for one reason: To protect the people of Iraq. According to the general's argument: When the people feel confident, they will work with the military to eliminate both the Shiite and Sunni insurrection.

And that is the point after all.

Why has that not worked before.

Because it's never been tried.

Well, for one, we were too busy putting out fires and our forces were not prepared to commiting to the protection of the people.

We need to be trained to perform that function.

Moreover, under the present scheme, at the end of day, we retire behind the walls of Fortress Baghdad and leave the people to fend for themselves; something they are very aware of.

Instead of retreating behind high walls, this plan involves getting out there and providing the force level of protection needed by the people.

I think this general is talking sense.

We have not provided the people with full electricity, water, or other services; mostly, we have not protected the streets. Why should they trust us or consign their safety and the safety of their children to American troops; it just isn't logical.

Yet, under Brimmer and the rest who couldn't provide the basic services and never entertained the idea of the safety of the people, it is a worthwhile idea that needs to be tried even though it may result in a temporary increase in troops in the Baghdad area...

Meanwhile, when the insurrectionists are out, the GI's are ensconced behind their walled cities and out of contact with the citizenry. In effect, what has happened is that the Sunnis and Shiites have effectively shut out forces so that they are for all intents and purposes unable to render aid or assistance to those being attacked!....

Applying the litmus test of honesty may be a change of pace for this government but Jack Keane's simple words make sense and deserve an appropriate airing. However, coming so late in the game, America may already have tired of a venture that seems so freighted with bad news and little positive feedback.

Les Aaron

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