More Iraq

USA Today has a really insightful piece up today exploring the situation on the ground in Iraq and the Administration’s attempts to get a handle on it.

BAGHDAD — Before the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, it was one of the nightmare scenarios: a slugfest in Iraq's capital, a sprawl of narrow streets, markets and blind alleys that is home to 6 million people.

More than three years later, the close-quarters fight the United States wanted to avoid is a reality. Rather than fighting Saddam Hussein's army, however, U.S. troops are caught in the crossfire alongside Iraqi forces as both try to take back the city from religion-based militias and death squads, as well as insurgents.

"This is the toughest thing I hope I ever do: fighting a counterinsurgency atop a sectarian conflict," said Col. James Pasquarette, commander of the Army's 1st Brigade Combat Team, positioned northwest of Baghdad.
[Snip]

Bush said the United States is constantly reassessing tactics but won't alter its objective of remaining in Iraq until the country has a stable government capable of maintaining its own security. "Our goal is victory," he said Saturday in his weekly radio address. "What is changing are the tactics we use to achieve that goal."

[Snip]

The loyalty and skills of the Iraqi forces in Baghdad vary. Some army units are dependable, but police, who often live in the areas they patrol, can be reluctant to take on local militias.
Getting local police to respond aggressively against militias has been a challenge, Pasquarette said. He has ordered that letters, in Arabic, be sent to every police officer and official in his area, warning: If you don't combat militias, you'll be fired. If you're found to be supporting them, you'll be detained.

[Snip]

"The civil war that everyone was afraid of is getting started," said Hammes, a retired Marine colonel.


In short, very little we have done so far has worked and we have blundered into a worst case scenario. If the Administration had any more cards to play, they would/should have already done so. Bush’s high profile strategy meeting this weekend was just for show; a lot sound and fury signifying nothing.

I do not believe for one minute there is some magical tactical change that can reverse the situation.