Iraq War

The Iraq war was not justified; it has not delivered liberation to Iraq or security for America. If it is now a breeding ground for terrorism, it is largely due to our presence there.

There were several key components within the Baker/Hamilton recommendations that must be applied to a holistic solution.

Today’s challenges in Iraq are political and cultural – not military. Military solutions will not be the primary path to stability.

Some degree of segmentation is probably required for political and security stability. Kurdish autonomy seems the de facto state of affairs, and partition of Sunni and Shiite populations in central and southern Iraq seems inevitable if sectarian violence is to be halted.

Regional diplomacy will be critical. Partnerships where possible, forceful influence where needed. We need to find a connection with moderate influences in Iran and develop a workable détente. We probably need to apply more forceful measures with Syria, whose negative influences have long been downplayed despite their destabilization in Lebanon and Iraq.

We may not be able to establish a democracy recognized by western standards. The fundamental underpinnings of democracy (private property rights, free speech and press rights, religious tolerance) must first be established.

Fundamentally, our approach to military engagement should be reset. The threshold for military commitment should be stringently limited to specific threats to Americans, not American “interests.” Any extended commitment of military force should require a formal declaration of war from the Congress. Discretionary commitments and preemptive justifications are too prone to political motivations and lack sufficient checks and balances.

Let’s honor the sacrifice of those who volunteer to protect our freedom by not carelessly putting them in harm’s way.

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