Out of Iraq

by Logan Ferrell (’ 11)

The nation is now officially halfway through the “first hundred days” of the Obama administration. For many of the actions of the past weeks, it is still too early to truly judge results; only the coming years will reveal the full economic impacts of Obama’s policies and the virtue of his many appointments. Among these decisions, which hold serious implications for the future, was President Obama’s February 28th announcement that US troop levels in Iraq will be drawn down by August 2010, and the “combat mission” ended.

Taken at face value, this ideal proposal sounds great, as most are eager to bring our troops out of harm’s way.

However, if hastened, this policy shift could prove a catalyst for further domestic unrest within the fledgling nation of the new Iraq. It is that attempt, to rush redeployment, as well as the unclear goals of the remaining force, which worries me.

For, I think it is worth noting, that U.S. goals were always “to train, equip, and advise” the Iraqi government; however, in order to achieve that role, a basic security must be maintained, and that is what lead to a combat role. These roles, combat and advisory, are not as President Obama would suggest so easily or clearly separated; especially in an operation where previous attempts to hastily turn over control to Iraqi forces saw the nation veer towards civil war and chaos.

Already, the currently arranged Status of Forces of Agreement with the Iraqi government calls for US troops to take a more “advisory” role by withdrawing from Iraqi cities in 2009, and then the nation entirely in 2011.

It seems to me, that to suddenly draw down troop levels a mere year before troops are scheduled to leave anyway, greatly diminishes the crucial role a strong force presence could play in the days leading to the 2011 transition.

If anything, this time prior to such a transition will require the highest degree of security possible, and that entails a troop presence not plagued by cuts and constant changes in what their role is called.

Overall, Iraq has seen gains in both stability and security. However, those achievements should not be jeopardized by an overoptimistic depletion of forces. Speaking to the current time table, ensures time to evaluate the situation and ensure that the U.S. does not leave behind a nation incapable of being controlled by Iraqis.