Let The Iraqis Lead
In another show of a major policy shift toward Iraq in the offing, Maj. Gen. Martin E. Dempsey - the guy in charge of fighting Muktada al-Sadr's al-Mahdi militia - announced today that he would consider accepting "al-Sadr's top militia deputies and other fighters in a new security force he is forming to patrol the holy Shiite city of Najaf."
I think this is 'applied pragmatism.' It could save the lives on all sides, and while I feel relatively certain that some concessions will be made by both sides, that the General is taking this onboard is a very positive development in what has been a pretty ugly situation.
Before the recent brouhaha over al-Sadr's paper being shut down, the Mahdi did provide some much needed "security in Baghdad's Shi'a slums and distributed food and other aid." That according to many reports, but I pulled that from Radio Free Europe.
This illustrates that the Mahdi militia can assist in their communities'. I hope that the Mahdi aid was done in the best humanitarian spirit. However, I am ever skeptical of newly formed - or well established - groups motives.
At the very least, this policy adjustment, should it come to fruition, will provide the U.S. with some much needed positive PR.
I know that these guys aren't likely to give anyone - me included - a warm and fuzzy feeling, but it's good that the U.S. command on the ground is publicly acknowledging the difficulties on the ground, and are beginning to take the tack that they'll give the Iraqis a chance to prove themselves.
Applied pragmatism..A pure bs exclusive. Heh. :) No doubt it'll remain so :)
I wish all involved success in their endeavours.
Peace.
I think this is 'applied pragmatism.' It could save the lives on all sides, and while I feel relatively certain that some concessions will be made by both sides, that the General is taking this onboard is a very positive development in what has been a pretty ugly situation.
Before the recent brouhaha over al-Sadr's paper being shut down, the Mahdi did provide some much needed "security in Baghdad's Shi'a slums and distributed food and other aid." That according to many reports, but I pulled that from Radio Free Europe.
This illustrates that the Mahdi militia can assist in their communities'. I hope that the Mahdi aid was done in the best humanitarian spirit. However, I am ever skeptical of newly formed - or well established - groups motives.
At the very least, this policy adjustment, should it come to fruition, will provide the U.S. with some much needed positive PR.
I know that these guys aren't likely to give anyone - me included - a warm and fuzzy feeling, but it's good that the U.S. command on the ground is publicly acknowledging the difficulties on the ground, and are beginning to take the tack that they'll give the Iraqis a chance to prove themselves.
Applied pragmatism..A pure bs exclusive. Heh. :) No doubt it'll remain so :)
I wish all involved success in their endeavours.
Peace.
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