What The Media Is Leaving Out Of Their Reporting
As the media tries desperately, as Secretary of Defense Gates put it, hang a bumper sticker on the situation in Iraq they are leaving out an important part of the National Intelligence Estimate:
If Coalition forces were withdrawn rapidly during the term of this Estimate, we judge that this almost certainly would lead to a significant increase in the scale and scope of sectarian conflict in Iraq, intensify Sunni resistance to the Iraqi Government, and have adverse consequences for national reconciliation.
Intelligence-speak for a bloodbath. Please read the whole estimate, not just the part the press is reporting.
UPDATE: Go read Captain Ed's words. The really important words in the NIE are quite simple:
Unless efforts to reverse these conditions show measurable progress during the term of this Estimate, the coming 12 to 18 months, we assess that the overall security situation will continue to deteriorate at rates comparable to the latter part of 2006. If strengthened Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), more loyal to the government and supported by Coalition forces, are able to reduce levels of violence and establish more effective security for Iraq’s population, Iraqi leaders could have an opportunity to begin the process of political compromise necessary for longer term stability, political progress, and economic recovery.
So, rapid withdrawal = bloodbath. Doing nothing = bloodbath. Trying something different = a chance for Iraq.
Other Links to this Post
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Macsmind - Conservative Commentary and Common Sense — February 3, 2007 @ 5:03 pm
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Blue Star Chronicles — February 3, 2007 @ 11:21 pm
