The U.S.-led coalition forces in Iraq have gone populist, empowering a “movement” of local sheikhs, former insurgents and ordinary Iraqis—encouraging them to take up arms and patrol their communities for themselves. “Concerned Citizens Groups,” which military representatives describe as similar to “neighborhood watch groups,” have become a centerpiece of U.S. strategy. The model takes its inspiration from the summer’s “Anbar… return to article
-
subscribe to print magazine
-
email this article to a friend
-
Reader Comments (3)Page 1 of 1 pages‘...the strategy is “fundamentally unpredictable.“‘
Well, sounds like real life — everywhere. Why is it we hear so many people looking for guaranties and sure things? War is the last place to expect it.
If you want predictability install a dictator and give him total power.
Wait a minute — that’s where this all began.
Posted by whattheheck on Nov 12, 2007 at 8:56 AM Today I attended a detailed presentation of the 13th Wisconsin, a Civil War regiment serving as support and mostly stationed behind the battle lines. Except for the names of individuals and geographical locations the story could have been taking place right now in Iraq.
Emotions were high both for and against the North and the South throughout the central states where they were deployed. Civilians were intimidated by guerrillas each wanting to impose their power and influence.
No one could be sure who was for them or against them. Harsh penalties were instituted against combatants without uniforms and private property was given no consideration.
The outcome was uncertain to everyone involved.
Posted by whattheheck on Nov 13, 2007 at 6:55 PM “According to Ret. U.S. Lt. Gen. William Odom, the situation is becoming one in which the U.S. army is ‘arming the enemies of the government whose election and legitimacy we sponsored.
‘The muddled, contradictory and ludicrous nature of this policy would deserve a horse laugh if it were not so tragic,’ says Odom, who served as the Army’s senior intelligence officer under Reagan. There is ‘no example where stable states were created by diffusing weapons and power to local and regional groups.’”
May be, General. But if you want justification for planting enduring bases on foreign soil because of the chaos that “seems” never to end, it’s a hard strategy to beat.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/iraq.htm
Posted by Kuya on Nov 15, 2007 at 1:38 AM Page 1 of 1 pages -
register a new account »Posting Security
Also by Jessica Pupovac
- The Right’s New Attack on Voters
- The Push to Privatize PEMEX
- Big Oil Imperils Polar Bears
- Silenced in the Barracks
The Pentagon fails to protect U.S. troops from sexual abuse - Funding Iraqs Citizen Soldiers
Is the Pentagon's neighborhood watch strategy protecting Iraqis or stoking the civil war? - FCC Rocks Chicago, Chicago Rocks Back
At the recent FCC hearing in the Windy City, citizens came out in droves to voice their displeasure over the media landscape
Popular Discussions
- The 9/11 Faith Movement
Many Americans believe 9/11 was a conspiracy by the U.S. government
1968 posts since Jul 11 06 - What’s the 411 on 9/11?
891 posts since Dec 21 05 - Democrats: It’s the War
659 posts since Nov 1 05 - Was the Presidential Election Stolen?
459 posts since Jun 19 06 - A Fundamental History Lesson
The rise of National Socialism proved politics and religion don't mix
426 posts since Oct 10 05
© 2007 In These Times | Reprint Policy | Privacy Policy | Powered by Expression Engine | RSS Feeds
