The Anti-Surge Strategy

We know that the surge strategy has been played out as an ongoing never ending scramble from one region to another as the enemy responds like Pavlov’s dogs to our build-ups and draw downs. With this scenario in evidence it is probably time to look at another option. For want of a more colorful description I will call this “ The Anti-Surge Strategy or A.S.S. for short. Since the administration and the media is unwilling to face facts and obvious enemies and consider a rational solution like martial law and unconditional surrender the following is a “run it up the flagpole” pragmatic trial and error strategy to stall for time until someone finally figures out the reality of the situation.

The anti-surge strategy is designed for those Democrats who want to see if their zany ideas will work before they tout them about on a podium. It is also designed for those Republicans that are so enamored with the repetitious rambling of President Bush talking about the progress that sees no end in sight. First we designate a region that we will remove all of our troops from for a specified time. Let’s say Bagdad. For example’s sake lets say the time will be for six months. We will announce we are leaving this region for the specified period of time and will not return if all is under control at the time of our anticipated return.

Now the obvious expectation will be a region in total chaos after six months which in microcosm is a snapshot of our pulling out of Iraq altogether. But we can then look at the region and ask ourselves what needs to be done to get this area under control where law and order ( the kind that is not at the whim of a religious zealot ) can reign supreme. With this example to work from we can better assess the true options . If it takes total American control to get the region back to civilized behavior who but a complete idiot or a Democrat could not project what is required for all of Iraq.

There are additional advantages to this approach. By choosing a region such as Bagdad we can encircle the area to be sure it is contained. We can also observe the differences in areas we choose to control and this area the Iraqis choose to do whatever they decide is in their interest. If they decide to continue with more of the same loggerhead debates and the rule of anarchy arises we will know they either do not have any idea how to set up and run a viable central government or they are content to back bite , connive and out manipulate than they are in creating a peaceful harmonious community. If this is all we can expect then it becomes evident that if changes are to be realized it is incumbent on us to institute the government structures and policies, enforce them and promise to leave when they follow the example we have provided. Otherwise we know that this microcosm will be the nation of Iraq after we leave and if this example is unacceptable to our security then there is no other alternative than to take over, set up the government, run it until the Iraqis see the futility of trying the failed methods of their past and adopt respect for individual freedom, abandon dreams of theocracy and live at peace in the world.

For those who are tiring of the War in Iraq ( and who isn’t) isn’t it time to consider something other than the same old “It will take a long time” lament. Think of all the youth coming to military age who will hear this same old chant. As the war keeps more and more less interested in the policy of ongoing sniper fodder the specter of a draft looms to drag more future Americans into involuntary servitude under the banner of “Fighting for Freedom”. A slave fighting for a freedom that he cannot have will not last for long.

American business has embraced the power of problem solving and responded to crises with innovation ,new ideas and solutions. American politicians cannot get past back biting, blaming others and taking in vague promises they have no idea how to implement nor any intension of fulfilling. And then along comes a war where their policies do not work and they resort to saying ,”it’s not my fault and although I have offered no solutions I could fix this if I had the power of the Presidency”. Meanwhile soldiers die while these lifelong politicians hold back their nebulous solutions to only be available after they are in the prestigious position of President. Would it not be perfectly patriotic to save these soldiers lives if in fact you held a solution that you could offer whether you were elected or not? The politicians are prefectly willing to ask for sacrifice by our soldiers but in the same breath they reject any sacrifice of their political ambitions. The dirty secret is not one of the candidates has a solution they are willing to offer because they know their fellow colleagues would chop it to pieces without a hearing or a trial just as they have done on every major issue of their career.

The word “Surge” got a lot of press and has proven to be nothing more than a mini attempt to get control of a few regions with the notion that the rest would follow, The Iraqis would set up a viable central government and peace would be a model for the region. What is the model being presented to the region to emulate with the failed policies of stalemate, bribes and wasted American dollars and lives? In the method of the pragmatic politicians it is time to try something else when one thing does not work. The Anti Surge Strategy is one such alternative. If it doesn’t work we can get our A.S.S. out of there.