quote:
Right on Nanjing...That the al-Quida In Iraq leadership, along with their close intermediaries are in fact not Iraqis, should be telling in future actions against them. The vitally important thing for the new Iraqi government leadership to do is to show solidarity by rallying to the protection & support of the threatened Sunni tribal & clan sheiks. This will show & encourage them that their new government is standing up for them, & thus all civil & peace loving Iraqis...no matter what sect or tribe that they are members of....
8950331,
You may remember when the insurgency in Anbar Province first began after our occupation of Iraq, foreign al-Qaida operatives made it their policy to "put an Iraqi face on the insurgency." As you suggested, any future action in Al-Anbar Province will be telling of an "al-Qaida face."
The good news is that al-Qaida was roundly trounced in Western Iraq last Spring, and are now conducting their last ditch efforts in and around Baghdad. The problem for us is their timing of their operations in Baghdad and in proximity to our elections with the usual "bash the incumbants" tradition that precedes those events. The problem is, they know that and are using it to maximum effect.
al-Qaida has a history of turning the weight and infrastructure of more powerful enemies against themselves. Prior to, and during 9-11, al-Qaida used our own legal system, flight schools, airliners, and well meaning citizans against this country; it is after all, one of their sinister trademarks.
The Iraqis on the other hand, will always put their first faith and effort in local or tribal governments for protection. The central government and standing Iraqi Army is looked upon as protection of the countrys borders. This same arrangement is seen in other Arab countries and appears to be the accepted norm. In the case of Anbar Province which has a long border with Syria, the two entities of defence have to intertwine and cooperate. That as you pointed out means that the Shi-ite dominated central government will have to come to the assistance of the Sunni tribes; fortunately, that appear to be taking place.
Ultimately, Iraq will take care if itself, with a U.S. presence that will remain only as long as it takes to acheive stability. My concern is the staying power and will of the American people who will decide whether we finish the job, or bail out. Any departure from the field that results in a victory for al-Qaida, regardless of whether an al-Qaida victory in Iraq is immediate, or years later, will be an irreversable defeat for the United States, and our struggle against terrorism.
