War in Iraq: USA Involved - What's Next?

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In summary: I like that.The United States is involved in a war with Iraq. It is too late to not fight this war, and it is too late to try and restore peace. The best course is to stay and try to get in NATO forces to share in the responsibility. Make sure the role is mostly policing and the training thereof, and stay away from political interference. Establish border security. try not to make Iraq the HQ for the Military in the Middle East. Kuwait is grateful (relatively) for the presence of the US Military, Iraq will be resentful of it. The Iraqis will take the blows and the civilian population will no longer be able to blame a distant apache chopper for the latest carbomb.
  • #1
Artman
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On several threads, we've been discussing the war in Iraq. Many here think that this war is wrong and that it never should have been started. It's too late to not fight this war. That ship has sailed. Right or wrong the USA is involved in a war with Iraq.

So my question is this, What now? Should the USA stay and try to restore peace, should we just leave?

Please do not dwell on the past in this thread. THe USA is already involved, so what next? Let's be positive, what is the best course?
 
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  • #2
Stick around. Try and get in NATO forces (UN Peacekeeping forces ? :eek:) to share in the responsibility. (That's going to be a hard ask, tough.) Make sure role is mostly policing/military and the training thereof, and stay away from political interference. Establish border security. Try not to make Iraq the HQ for the Military in the Middle East. Kuwait is grateful (relatively) for the presence of the US Military, Iraq will be resentful of it.
 
  • #3
I think they should slowly remove US presence if possible. The Iraqi police will take the blows and the civilian population will no longer be able to blame a distant apache chopper for the latest carbomb. And maybe help the police.
But ofcourse, before they can slowly remove their troops there has to be some stability... only the religious leaders could possibly bring some sense to these madmen.
 
  • #4
Middle East oil is vital to US (and world) interests. There's no way to throw Iraq into chaos, leave, and hope things work out for the best.

Once in, we have no choice but to stay until there is some way of maintaining stability without us. One side (Shiite, Sunni, or Kurd) has to be able to keep the others at bay one way or the other (politically or, more likely, by repression) before leaving even becomes an option.

The only other reason to leave is if a US presence is more disruptive than helpful. While a foreign military presence in a country is always disruptive, I think the chaos would be worse without us and it will be quite a while before that balance changes.

In any event, I doubt we'll be leaving a loyal ally when we finally do leave.
 
  • #5
My list from another post about the things we could have done better in Iraq...
Many can still be moved towards.
Martial law and curfews from day one. Loosen restrictions as it becomes possible.

Secure emotional sites that are sure to incite the populous.Not all of them, but there needs to be a visual attempt.

US troops in the middle of Iraq, foreign nations on the outskirts doing perimeter control (where we have many of our guys now)No body bags in Europe means less problems with countries have their troops there. Not to mention, our troops are better equipped and trained than many of the smaller nations we have scattered about in hot zones. Uniformity of nations would go a long way. The contesting of American troops under British control, and vice versa, should have never come up, as it should have never been an option.

Hire Iraqis for as many busy work jobs as you can. Don't bring in bulldozers if you can put to work 25 Iraqi men for several days. Don't hire contractors except where it is needed (telecom jobs and what not).

**** Bremer. This guy was a pathetic administrator from the beginning.

Why weren't there mobile cell phone towers from day 1? 2 months in we ship them in? Cell communication, instead of driving messages back and forth and limited satellite phone access, would have made things move more quickly in the beginning.

Sistani is the man. This should have been an overwhelming thought, and he should have played a front roll in advising us and speaking often.

Go get that Iraqi girl (she is still alive, was posted a few days ago) with the tumors and give her free emergency help in the US. Send her back to Iraq for PR. We are not bad guys, but are sure not letting enough people IN Iraq know that.

No-bid contracts in Iraq? Have some common sense. It's a valid business practice, but Cheney, Halliburton. Should have never given the critics a chance to start the conpiracy theory machine.

Plenty of things have been done right, but this is a thread focuses on identifying mistakes, so they may be rectified where possible.
 
  • #6
BobG said:
In any event, I doubt we'll be leaving a loyal ally when we finally do leave.

They'll be as loyal as S Korea, and depending on how we act afterwards more or less later.
 
  • #7
I'm liking this guys. Good positive responses.
 
  • #8
Dont mean to go offtopic, but wheres Adam?
 
  • #9
You guys are very pragmatic about Iraq and what to do with the problem we are facing.But remember White House is full of unstable individuals with big egos and they might launch yet another war with Iran or Syria.
 
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  • #10
French opinion : thousand thanks to Gokul and BobG ! I deeply wish whichever winner will listen to your advices.
 
  • #11
tumor said:
You guys are very pragmatic about Iraq and what to do with the problem we are facing.But remember White Hous is full of unstable individuals with big egos and they might launch yet another war with Iran or Syria.
Future plans of the USA and Iraq could certainly come into play. It seems to me that you would not find this a suitable course. Do you agree with those suggested so far, or would you add or change some things?

Although I mentioned trying to keep this thread positive, you could certainly state items such as those above that you would not want to see happen and elelaborate on the consequenses. I believe this kind of opinion can aide in forming constructive thoughts on the subject.
 
  • #12
phatmonky said:
Hire Iraqis for as many busy work jobs as you can. Don't bring in bulldozers if you can put to work 25 Iraqi men for several days. Don't hire contractors except where it is needed (telecom jobs and what not).

This is a good idea. One of the biggest problems we've had is the inability to spend reconstruction money - mainly because it's hard to build things when the builders are ducking bullets. Until things are secure enough to get things moving, anything to reduce the high unemployment rate would likely reduce support for the insurgent groups. Roosevelt created a few 'busy work' groups during the depression that actually accomplished some positive work - it could help in Iraq, too.

While it may be using reconstruction money inefficiently, it can't be more inefficient than having to divert some of the money for security.

phatmonky said:
Why weren't there mobile cell phone towers from day 1? 2 months in we ship them in? Cell communication, instead of driving messages back and forth and limited satellite phone access, would have made things move more quickly in the beginning.

I'm kind of surprised this would be a problem. Satellite phones are a pretty big deal in that part of the world since there isn't nearly as big a ground cell phone network to compete with. Combination cell/satellite phones are available that about the same size as a cell phone, although more expensive (a few hundred dollars still?). Cell phone towers will reduce the cost of telephone communication long term, since satellite phone rates are generally higher than ground phone rates, but communications shouldn't have been a huge problem.
 

1. What led to the war in Iraq and the involvement of the USA?

The war in Iraq began in 2003 when the United States, under the leadership of President George W. Bush, invaded Iraq. The main reason for the invasion was the belief that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction, which posed a threat to the security of the United States. Additionally, the US government claimed that Iraq was supporting terrorist organizations and needed to be removed from power.

2. How long did the war in Iraq last and when did it officially end?

The war in Iraq lasted for nearly 9 years, from March 2003 to December 2011. However, the US military officially ended its combat mission in Iraq in 2010 and withdrew all combat troops by the end of 2011. This marked the end of the war, but violence and instability continued in Iraq for several years after.

3. What were the consequences of the war in Iraq for the USA?

The war in Iraq had several consequences for the USA. It resulted in the loss of thousands of American lives and billions of dollars in military and reconstruction costs. It also strained relations between the USA and other countries, particularly those who opposed the war. The war also led to an increase in terrorist activities and further destabilized the Middle East region.

4. What happened to Iraq after the USA's involvement in the war ended?

After the USA's involvement in the war officially ended, Iraq faced several challenges. The country was left in a state of political and social turmoil, with sectarian violence and insurgency continuing for several years. The withdrawal of US troops also left a power vacuum, which was exploited by extremist groups such as ISIS. Iraq also faced economic struggles, with the destruction of infrastructure and a decrease in oil production.

5. What is the current situation in Iraq and what is the USA's role?

Currently, Iraq is still facing challenges such as political instability, economic struggles, and the threat of extremist groups. The USA continues to have a presence in Iraq, mainly in the form of military advisors and support for Iraqi forces. The USA also plays a role in providing humanitarian aid and support for the reconstruction and development of Iraq. However, the overall situation in Iraq remains complex and uncertain.

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