Iraq is a Losing Quagmire

The Iraq Study Group released its long-awaited report this week. The report contains no big surprises as the committee recommends increasing support for Iraqi forces while withdrawing American forces over time. The report supports the President’s position of staying the course until the Iraqi government can sustain the country. At the same time the report criticizes the Pentagon for underreporting the level of violence in Iraq.

Just how many more expensive committees must we sustain before someone has the courage to stand up and tell the truth about Iraq and the situation on the ground over there? This most recent group traveled to Iraq to spend three days in their armored limousines and in the Green Zone. What sort of real information can be garnered that way?

Reports from the ground inside Iraq show a spiral of increasing violence and decreasing public service. Basic services such as electricity, clean water, and sewage treatment are in short supply these days. The country is approaching total destruction on a daily basis.

We must end the occupation to allow humanitarian aid and support in non-military ways. This along with diplomatic efforts with Iran and Syria is the only reasonable way to resolve this crisis. Our Congress members must pressure the administration to change the course. Otherwise we stand to lose even more than we have lost to date.