Bush – Wherefore Art Thou?
04/11/2008
Paul Munnis
If a nation invaded America, took down our government, then occupied us with military force and promoted a civil war in our land, we would want them to leave. That is what al Sadr wants for his country. He wants America out of Iraq and I can’t say that he is wrong for wanting that. Most of America wants the same thing.
He has a million man Army and he is in a strong position to make war with America. He was doing that then he suddenly declared a unilateral six month cease fire and stood his militia down. Bush took credit for the resulting lowering of violence but I think most thinking people attribute the peace to al Sadr. There was a flare-up last week when al Maliki decided to become an Arab version of John Wayne but to his credit al Sadr told his people to hold their fire.
The logical thing to do is to approach al Sadr and say: “You guys want us out of here. We want to get out of here. In order to do so there must be peace and stability in Iraq. Please help us to achieve that and we will be gone six months after stability happens.” In other words al Sadr is trying to avoid a conflict with U.S. forces because he values peace more than war. We should be working with him to bring about a lasting peace in Iraq.
We are not doing that and so that is why the war in Iraq drags on and on. If al Sadr told his people to evict the insurgents they’d be gone in a month. If al Sadr told his people to become a police force in Baghdad, Basra, Mosul, and other places, there would be a strong police presence in a flash. If al Sadr asked his people to protect the infrastructure such as water, sanitation, and electricity, they would become safe overnight. In the meantime the Bush Administration could work with the Iraqi Parliament to work on ending civil strife.
If you want peace you have to wok at getting it. We know we cannot have it through military means alone. Here is a diplomatic effort that could make all of the difference. Bush needs to at least give it a whole hearted try.