WASHINGTON -- It may seem strange to Americans, so close to our independence celebration, that Iraqis should break out the fireworks when our troops withdraw. We are not accustomed to being cast in the British role. In Iraq, nearly every achievement seems colored by ambiguity. But we are seeing achievement nonetheless.
The recent American withdrawal was not a decisive military shift. Our units will no longer conduct unilateral military operations. Except for Baghdad and Mosul, however, this has been the situation in Iraq for months. American troops will still be visible on the streets in a supporting role alongside Iraqis. And American quick-reaction forces can provide assistance in a pinch.
High-profile attacks, mostly by al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI), have increased during the last 30 days, compared to previous months -- perhaps intended to create the impression that American troops were being forced to leave. But "AQI has not been able to mount a sustained campaign," says an administration official. "The attacks are terrible, but AQI is still on the ropes."
Though not militarily decisive, these events are a milestone of a different kind. They represent the success of an approach that once seemed doomed -- the strategy of "as they step up, we step down."
This is one of the most extraordinary reversals of fortune in the history of American warfare. In 2006 and 2007 -- after years of rising violence and disappointed expectations -- much of the public and Congress had concluded with Sen. Harry Reid that, "This war is lost." Some, such as Sen. Barack Obama, recommended almost immediate American withdrawal.
Instead, a number of unexpected and related developments transformed the situation in Iraq completely.
-- President George W. Bush's lonely decision to pursue the surge purchased 24 additional months to train capable Iraqi forces, provide security for civilians, support tribal allies and dig out and eliminate AQI leaders.
Continued... |