There is no War in Iraq
     

I’d just like to point out that the war in Iraq is over. There is no “War in Iraq” anymore. The US went to war with Iraq in 2003 to 1) find and eliminate “Weapons of Mass Destruction” 2) to oust Saddam Hussein from power and 3) to tear down the totalitarian government as formed and controlled by the Baath party. Once that was done, all else afterward was occupation. It may be nitpicking, but the reality is that a lot of folks who know better are talking about how the US is making no progress in the war in Iraq, but that is patently false. The war was successful. Very much so. The problems faced now are problems of a post-conflict occupation.

Remember: three goals. Find and eliminate WDM’s, oust S. Hussein and dismantle the then-current government.

1 – Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD's) – Remember that the United Nations UNSCOM inspectors made complaints as to WMD's, biologics and other non-compliance issues, then asked the US for help in forcing compliance. The existence of WMD’s was inconclusive, but the existence of biologics was certain considering that the US helped Iraq develop them and taught Iraq how to deploy them. Even if one disputed the existence of WMD's, the fact is that now, the war is over so the existence or use is a moot point. The US 2003 invasion stopped all that. Done.

2 – Saddam Hussein – Ousted and taken to trial. Done.

3 – Government restructuring – The Baath party was abolished and the government torn down. In fact, the new Iraqi government tried and executed S. Hussein. Done.

  

 Now … after a war is concluded, the business of occupation and withdrawal must start. Anyone who has studied military strategy knows that after you defeat the enemy, you can not simply walk out and say ”Good luck, y’all!” Stability must be established, the economy must be stabilized, a new government must be nurtured, allowed to cultivate its power base and strengthened, and a new military power must be established, trained and strengthened to defend that new sovereign nation. Lastly, withdrawal must be at a pace diametrically opposed to the likelihood of regional destabilization.

 In any case, the goals of the 2003 war have been met and the war itself is over.

The concern now is how to manage the current occupation of Iraq and that makes a huge difference in how that occupation is managed. For instance (and it is only an example) the US Marines are an invasion force – a fighting force. It is not an occupational force and was never designed or intended for long-term occupations. Marine tactics and strategies are meant to punch the line and move aside, holding the door open for the army to take on long-term engagements and occupational security concerns. Having a whole lot of Marines on the ground is great during an invasion, wonderful during the war itself, but is not a smart occupation strategy. Ask a Marine.

 I think a lot more progress would be made and a lot of the debates clarified if people would realize that this is no longer a war- it is a postwar occupation.