Center for Strategic and International Studies
Holder of the Arleigh A. Burke Chair in Strategy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and author of Iraqi Security Forces: A Strategy for Success; former National Security Assistant to Senator John McCain, he has held senior positions in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and State Department
Iraq: After American Soldiers Are Gone Out of 170,0000 US troops that have been to Iraq in the past nine years, 6000 are left. In three weeks, they'll be gone too, leaving the world's largest embassy guarded by 16,000 private contractors and a very uncertain legacy. Tomorrow, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, President Obama will give thanks for the sacrifices that have been made for what he once called "a dumb war." Yesterday, with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki at his side, the President spoke about the immediate future. We hear some disturbing assessments of what the future might bring.
Iraq: After American Soldiers Are Gone Republican candidates are roasting President Obama for leaving Iraq too soon, but it was George W. Bush who negotiated withdrawal by the end of this year. Out of 170,000 US troops that have been to Iraq in the past nine years, 4500 Americans died and 32,000 were wounded. In three weeks, the 6000 that are left will be gone too. The dollar cost was $823 billion. Tomorrow, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the President will give thanks for the sacrifices that have been made for what he once called "a dumb war." Have both administrations been more concerned about domestic politics than policy in the Middle East? Did the deaths of 100,000 Iraqi civilians mean US troops had to go? Can Iraq's armed forces keep the peace? Is Prime Minister Maliki another strong man?
Shifting Focus in the War on Terror When Iraq's parliament passed the new status of forces agreement with the US, Prime Minister Maliki called the three-year timetable for withdrawal of American troops "a momentous step" toward restoring Iraqi sovereignty. Barack Obama plans to withdraw from Iraq and build up in Afghanistan, but neither project is going to be quick, easy or cheap, and the strategies that took so long to develop in Iraq's cities and deserts may not apply in Afghanistan's mountains and rural villages. We hear about the planning that's going on for a transition that's easier to talk about than it will be to accomplish. What are the obstacles? How long will it take? In the midst of the worst economic crisis since the Depression, How much will it cost?
Exiting Iraq, Sinking Deeper into Afghanistan When Iraq's parliament passed the new status of forces agreement with the US, Prime Minister Maliki called the three-year timetable for withdrawal of American troops "a momentous step" toward restoring Iraqi sovereignty. Barack Obama plans to withdraw from Iraq and build up in Afghanistan, but neither project is going to be quick, easy or cheap, and the strategies that took so long to develop in Iraq's cities and deserts may not apply in Afghanistan's mountains and rural villages. We hear about the planning that's going on for a transition that's easier to talk about than it will be to accomplish. What are the obstacles? How long will it take? In the midst of the worst economic crisis since the Depression, How much will it cost?
Senate Debates Military Draw-down in Iraq Democratic Senate leaders staged an all-night debate on their plan to give President Bush just 120 days to start bringing troops home from Iraq. Republicans called it a "circus," a "mockery" and "Kabuki theater." Before noon today, the Democrats lost a procedural vote to cut off debate. Yet, despite today's outcome, there's no doubt that many Republicans are uncomfortable about the President's course in Iraq —especially those who are up for re-election next year, and back an alternative that incorporates recommendations of the Iraq Study Group . Meantime, polls show that a majority of Americans think it's time for the troops to come home. We hear about the marathon session and what's next for efforts to force the President to change direction. We also talk to authorities about troop withdrawal, whether the "surge" still has a chance or if it is only postponing the inevitable.
Congress Votes for a Timeline in Iraq After House approval last night, the Senate today passed the Iraq spending bill that President Bush has promised to veto. Meantime, today's poll by NBC and the Wall Street Journal shows 56% to 37% public support for the withdrawal timetables the President will be rejecting. In a White House effort to sway votes against the bill, the top commander, in Iraq gave closed-door briefings to both the House and the Senate. Today General David Petraeus told reporters the "surge" is making progress. What happens next, when the White House and Congress finally start working toward compromise? Is the "surge" working? Is the war already "lost" from a military standpoint or is victory still possible? How important is public opinion?
The Changing Nature of Modern Warfare The most advanced army in history swept Saddam Hussein out of power, but it has not put down the Iraqi insurgents or quelled sectarian violence. Congress has passed another record Pentagon spending bill, but critics say it's designed to fight the wars of the past, not those of the future. The US is hunkering down for the long term to fight the war against terror. Despite years of promises, the country has not been rebuilt. The newly elected government has not restored order. Sectarian violence looks like civil war, and the death toll is staggering. But recent reports indicate that Iraqis blame the American occupation. Will overwhelming use of military power create more enemies than it helps to defeat? Are hearts and minds more important than high-tech weapons?
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