An Iraq Vet's Common Sense Iraq Policy for Democrats

[jerryme1]

Dear Political Leader:

I am an Iraq War veteran and lawyer who has followed developments in Iraq closely since the U.S. invasion. The following is common sense advice on how to move forward in Iraq.

In many instances, your colleagues who are opposed to a phased withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq or limiting funding for the Iraq War argue:

"'Terrorists' will take control of Iraq if the United States leaves Iraq precipitously or if Congress, by restricting funding for the war, limits the Commander in Chief's ability to wage war in Iraq."

Do not allow your colleagues to trumpet this message with impunity.

I am not a Southwest Asia scholar. Common sense, however, informs that if Congress cut, limited, or restricted funding for the Iraq War or withdrew U.S. troops from Iraq that the following would likely occur:

1. Iraq would face a relatively quick civil war;
2. The "democratically elected" Shia majority, or a "Shia Strongman," would consolidate governmental authority;
3. And accordingly, a majority of Sunnis would fall in line, seeing that all out resistance was futile. (Some diehard Sunnis will always resist).

A sensible approach:

1. Always correct your colleagues' assertion that "Terrorists" will fill any power vacuum in Iraq. Instead, stress the more likely scenario that a government led by a Shia majority will continue to govern in Iraq. After all, Shias are a majority of the population. To support the assertion that “Terrorists” will not “take over” Iraq, highlight the tenacity with which the Iraqis are fighting its current occupier – the United States. Iraqis would fight similarly against “Terrorists” who might try to “take over” Iraq or who might attempt to use Iraq to launch terrorist attacks against the United States.
2. Always stress that the U.S. can work with a "democratically elected" Shia-led government.
3. Do not focus on using the appropriations process to end the Iraq War. I doubt any of you possess the selflessness to legitimately use the Constitution in this manner to check the executive branch. Instead:
4. Remove U.S. troops from Baghdad and its civil war.
5. Redeploy U.S. troops to the borders of Iraq. This is more palatable to Americans who are not ready for a phased or complete withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. Politically, this will allow you to have it both ways: U.S. troops are removed from the Iraq civil war; and you, the politician, are not seen as a "cut and runner" or soft on national security.
6. Do not allow the perfect to get in the way of the good.

[babylonsister]

1. Welcome to DU, jerryme1, and thank you for your service.

It seems to me no one has to listen to Congress without withdrawal of appropriations involved.

Your ideas are great, but we have a concrete wall in front of us called the rethugs; they still want to back the loser who is going against the will of the majority of the people.

[PerfectSage]

2. kick and a very highly recommend

[unhappycamper]

3. Hi jerryme1!

Welcome to DU. If you are the Iraq vet and are safely back - Welcome home, Brother. If you are not back yet, stay safe and sane. We'll be waiting for you & stoking the fires to make sure you have VA services available.

Peace,
uhc