Friday, November 10, 2006
Mixed Iraqi reaction on possible U.S. troop reduction
Security
An expected phased reduction in US troops in Iraq after the resignation of US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld left Iraqis split yesterday on whether a withdrawal would be in their best interest. While a majority of Iraqis want to see the departure of Washington's 150,000 troops, according to a recent poll, many fear an early pullout would worsen an already bleak situation as rival groups may vie for control and violence escalates.
Abu Abdullah, a member of the Sunni minority from the northern city of Mosul, said his sect, fighting in an anti-US rebellion, needs US protection from Shiite militants. US officials say violence between the country's rival Shiite and Sunni sects has become more of a threat to Iraq's stability than the Sunni insurgency in central Iraq. Others argue that the presence of US troops has not stopped daily killings and their absence may reduce violence. Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki has openly criticised the US military for not providing him more say over his own forces. He has resisted US and Sunni pressure to disarm Shiite militias linked to parties in his coalition while insisting on the need to focus fighting against Saddam Hussain's Sunni Baath supporters and Sunni Al Qaida militants.
Abu Abdullah, a member of the Sunni minority from the northern city of Mosul, said his sect, fighting in an anti-US rebellion, needs US protection from Shiite militants. US officials say violence between the country's rival Shiite and Sunni sects has become more of a threat to Iraq's stability than the Sunni insurgency in central Iraq. Others argue that the presence of US troops has not stopped daily killings and their absence may reduce violence. Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki has openly criticised the US military for not providing him more say over his own forces. He has resisted US and Sunni pressure to disarm Shiite militias linked to parties in his coalition while insisting on the need to focus fighting against Saddam Hussain's Sunni Baath supporters and Sunni Al Qaida militants.
COMMENT: A U.S. troop withdrawal would be detrimental at this moment in time because the Iraqi military is not complete or ready, nor does it have the resources of the U.S. military. If the U.S. troops were to withdraw to bases and concentrate on support - be less in the public eye - that might ease the tensions caused by their presence. While there are undoubtably Shias and Sunnis who would welcome a U.S. departure, a strong united leadership needs to be in place as does an organised security force, both of which are unlikley to happen in the near furture. COMMENT ENDS.
