The War in Iraq

[12/6/06] The long-awaited Iraq Study Group report, which was delivered to President Bush Wednesday morning, concludes that the situation in Iraq is “grave and deteriorating” but could still be improved if the U.S. focuses mainly on strengthening the Iraqi army and launches an immediate “diplomatic offensive” to win cooperation from countries such as Syria and Iran.

Both steps would mark a sharp departure from the current Bush administration approach, and could receive a chilly reception from the White House as well as U.S. military commanders in Iraq.

In releasing the report to Congress and the public, the members of the group acknowledged “the current approach is not working,” said panel co-chair and former Democratic Rep. Lee Hamilton at a press conference to discuss the report.

On the politically potent issue of U.S. troop levels, the panel, which called the report “The Way Forward,” recommends a quick and dramatic reduction in U.S. combat forces under a scenario whereby the U.S. would shift its focus to advising and supporting the Iraqi army. Barring “unexpected developments” on the security front, the report suggests that all U.S. combat brigades not needed to protect U.S. advisers or pursue terrorist cells would leave Iraq by March 2008. [Tomorrow's News Today]

[11/9/06] The past couple of days have been filled with anticipation over the outcome of which party will emerge victorious during this year's elections. Adding to the flurry of activity, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfield unexpectedly announced his resignation raising further questions about the future of American policy. Both the parties and individuals newly appointed to government positions will have an impact on both fiscal policy for the markets (dividend and taxes) and on our foreign involvement (the war in Iraq).

There have been hints as to what ISG [Iraq Study Group] might recommend, but the broad options boil down to these:

1. Recommend that the United States continue with the current strategy: military operations designed to create a security environment in which an Iraqi government can function.
   
2. Recommend the immediate withdrawal of U.S. forces and allow the Iraqis to sort out their political problems.
   
3. Recommend a redeployment of forces in Iraq, based around a redefinition of the mission.
   
4. Recommend a redefinition of the political mission in Iraq.

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[10/16/06] The United States has opened up a window of opportunity for other powers. Iraq and Afghanistan have absorbed a large percentage of U.S. ground combat capability, limiting U.S. military options elsewhere. An internal political crisis has further limited the Bush administration's options. With the outcome of the November midterm elections uncertain, outside powers have a window of opportunity in which to take risks. This week, the North Koreans took advantage of that window of opportunity.