Recent news indicates different directions for Iraq's interested parties
Looking at headlines and news stories today, I couldn't help but notice the wide divergence of opinions concerning the Iraq war. Let's look at three main principles in the war.
- The Iraq Government
- The US Government - splintered between Congress and President Bush
- The British Government - Position changing rapidly because of Blair's leaving office
Of course the enemy knows this division is happening, and that's making them more active than ever. The US commander in Northern Iraq has asked for more troops.
"I do not have enough soldiers right now in Diyala province to get that security situation moving," he said. "We have plans to put additional forces in that area. I can't discuss the details of that. We have put additional forces in there over the last couple of months, but I am going to need additional forces in Diyala province to get that situation to a more acceptable level so the Iraqi security forces will be able in the future to handle that."
Almost as if to make the point, car bomb went off, killing 23 in Baghdad
With incidents like this happening every day, Maliki has visited the US to ensure that Congress stays the course for at least one more year.
With this many parties at odds, it's obvious a major change in direction is imminent.
Today alone:
- Congress tied War funds to progress
- Tony Blair's heir apparent says direction change coming
- Talibani says troops must stay one more year - "I think that in one or two years we will be able to recruit our forces, to prepare our forces and say goodbye to our friends," he said.
- Iraqi MPs want to set date for troop withdrawal
Who can tell what will happen next
Today seemed like a day when all of the divergent viewpoints seemed to really collide. With Tony Blair stepping down in Britain in June, it seems everything has come to a head.
What direction do you see happening for the War in Iraq?
