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Middle East Analysis

Here’s the Surge Iraq Needs

By Christopher Kojm, senior adviser, Iraq Study Group; professor, Elliot School of International Affairs, The George Washington University (The Christian Science Monitor)

posted on 03/19/08

The troop surge is the story of 2007. What the United States needs in 2008 is a surge of political, military, diplomatic, and humanitarian activity across the board, in order to achieve a reduced but still attainable objective in Iraq—stability. Without stability, more ambitious goals cannot be achieved. With it, U.S. forces can begin to withdraw.

We need to press the Iraqi government as hard as we can on questions of national reconciliation. Why? Because the current moment of hope in Iraq will fade unless Sunnis see a future for themselves in the life of their country. They need to be brought into the Iraqi Army, police, and government ministries. They need a chance to vote for their own elected representatives at the provincial level. They need to share in Iraq’s oil wealth. Otherwise, the current lull in violence will be just a timeout in an unfolding sectarian war—and a future Iraq made up of gangs and warlords. …

We need strong U.S. leadership in an international effort to support Iraqi reconciliation and regional stability. Why? Because Iraq cannot do it alone. Reconciliation in Iraq requires the support of all its neighbors. The neighbors, in turn, need stability in Iraq. They want to avoid spillover of the conflict, and want the 2 million-plus Iraqi refugees to return home. …

Good options are long past, but tolerable outcomes for the United States in Iraq are still possible if we use all the tools of national power on behalf of national reconciliation, regional stability, and—as General Petraeus told us— protecting the Iraqi people. Access the full article>>