The Keys to Success - Wes Clark in TNR

[OKNancy]

I looked and didn't see this posted. Another fine article by CLark.

Key to Success
by Wesley K. Clark



Post date 05.28.04 | Issue date 06.07.04

In March 2003, Americans thrilled to televised scenes of U.S. forces moving into Iraq. Well-spoken soldiers, modern equipment, and embedded reporters suggested a sense of purpose, competence, and courage that resonated across the country. But today, 14 months later, the mission is in shambles, scarred by rising Iraqi popular discontent, continued attacks against U.S. forces, infiltration of foreign fighters, mounting civil strife, and no credible sense of direction.

Despite President George W. Bush's calls for staying the course, American public opinion has clearly turned against the mission. Some have already pronounced it a failure. Others, giving up on the idea of a unified Iraq, are seeking to salvage some measure of success by suggesting we break up the country, a proposal that would implicitly reward the Kurds--and invite more trouble later. Still others suggest that we reduce our ultimate objective from Iraqi democracy to Iraqi stability. All the critics warn that, if we don't change direction, we are headed for failure.

They're right: Absent significant changes, we are headed for failure. But the problem is not just that our goal of an American-style democracy is too ambitious; it's also that we've lacked the resources to meet it. Constructing a stable, representative government in Iraq is possible, provided we alter our strategy and tactics. To date, we have relied too heavily on our military to conduct tasks for which it is neither culturally prepared nor well-trained. While our troops should help secure the borders and handle internal threats that are too large for the still-nascent Iraqi forces, they should, as soon as possible, stop policing the country for one simple reason: They're not very good at it. Instead, we need to involve Middle Eastern countries and the larger international community in building a unified Iraq with a representative government that doesn't threaten its neighbors or serve as a magnet for Al Qaeda recruiting and that exerts enough control to ensure domestic stability and promote economic development.

more at
http://www.tnr.com/doc.mhtml?i=20040607&s=clark060704

[BootinUp]

1. It just makes too much sense

to ever happen with Bush in office.

Thanks Nancy :)

[kaitykaity]

2. Thanks for posting this.

Wes for VP!!!

:D

[Leilani]

3. What would a General know about wars?

Shrub, Cheney, Perle, Wolfowitz, Cristol, & others know more.

[Sopianae]

4. Great article.

A complex answer to a complex problem. Bonus: he knows how to implement it.