US Training of Death Squads in Iraq? - War Is A Crime .org

undermining its sovereignty, weakening its standing with the Iraqi people, and compromising itsability to govern.Many observers, even among those who opposed the U.S. invasion, concede that althoughthe principle of self-determination must be respected and although Iraqis are more than capableof governing themselves once stability and basic services are restored current circumstancesin Iraq may require active leadership from the outside. The United States, however, simply doesnot have the credibility to fill that role. There are sound proposals for an internationalpeacekeeping force led by other Arab or Islamic states that should be considered, but theseoptions will not be possible as long as the United States insists on orchestrating militaryoperations.All but the most extreme jihadists in the opposition would likely be open to a negotiatedsettlement to the conflict, but only if there was a clear timetable or specific achievablebenchmarks for a complete U.S. withdrawal. With the bulk of the insurgents then allied with theBaghdad government, Iraqis could likely deal with the jihadists and other radical elementsthemselves, since the jihadists' extreme ideology and terrorist tactics have little popularfollowing in the country.The Bush administration has thus far refused to discuss withdrawing all U.S. forces from Iraq.The new bases under construction (under no-bid contracts with Vice President Dick Cheney'sfirm Halliburton) are elaborate, self-contained towns that appear to be intended for permanence.One being built outside Baghdad is more than 15 square miles. The new U.S. embassy underconstruction in Iraq is designed to include 21 buildings comprising residences for 1,000American officials, a school, a warehouse, and its own utilities. As long as such an overbearing,neocolonial lightning-rod presence remains, there will be armed resistance.There have also been reasonable proposals for the United States to maintain an over-the-horizonmilitary presence or to conduct more modest military operations. Such a plan, however, wouldrequire putting trust in the very same people who have proven themselves profoundly ignorantabout Iraq and totally inept at managing the postwar situation. Perhaps U.S. forces could providetactical air support to Iraqi soldiers if Jihadists seize Ramadi and start marching on the GreenZone. But absent such a crisis, the only responsible option is a withdrawal of U.S. forces as soonas possible.Americans from across the political spectrum have a kind of optimism and “can do” attitude thathas served us well on many occasions. There are some situations, however, where a series oftragic mistakes and unfortunate circumstances preclude a positive outcome. Iraq may be justsuch a case.The War at HomeThis is my third annual article analyzing the U.S. war in Iraq and its impact. Unless theAmerican people more fully mobilize to change U.S. policy, I will have to write these articles formany years to come.148