The Bush Administration, worried that the possibility exists that Democrats, the Media, and White Flag Republicans will eventually force a pullout of US Troops in Iraq before the Iraqi people can stand up as a nation. As I've noted before, the Sunni dominated Middle East will not stand for a land dominated by the mostly Shi'a Persians. The fact is, it would be a problem for us as well. A country controlled by a messianic nutjob with nukes, with proxy armies such as Hezbollah and Hamas disbursed throughout the region, and allies like Syia and Russia, dominating the region politically and economically would be a nightmare.
But if it happens that the US can no longer help Iraq remain the linchpin of containment for Iran, what is the alternative?
The Bush administration said Monday that its plan to provide billions of dollars in advanced weapons to Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Israel over the next 10 years was intended in part to serve as a bulwark against Iran’s growing influence in the Middle East.
Democrats don't like this idea one bit.
The final package will be formally presented for Congressional approval in September, and for now many influential lawmakers appear to have adopted a wait-and-see approach. Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr., Democrat of Delaware, and Representative Tom Lantos, Democrat of California, who lead the Congressional committees that will consider the proposal, indicated Monday that they would reserve judgment on the merits of the plan until September.
But signaling a possible battle between the White House and Congress, Mr. Lantos said lawmakers wanted assurances that the weapons package “include only defensive systems,” not weaponry that could be used by Arab states to attack Israel’s military.
But is a cold war strategy the optimal solution for the Middle East?
Clearly not. Overall, it would be best if Iraq was politically and economically a free country, with the ability to maintain security. And, like Germany of the Cold War period, have US troops stationed as a strategic reserve in case Iran did make a move.
Not only would this be a militarily stronger position, but a successful Iraq whose government is authorized by it's citizens will serve as a beacon for change in Iran as well as the greater Middle East.
But the Democrats and White Flag Republicans offer no alternatives to the reality of the Middle East. Withdrawal by itself is not a solution, it is just another event with consequences that must be considered. It is not a strategy, it is an abdication.
But a Middle East armed to the teeth in an eastern-flavored version of Mutual Assured Destruction is the only alternative to leaving behind a weak Iraq if our hand is forced to repeat Saigon of 1975.
