Entry #32: February 23, 2006

Camp Buehring, Kuwait (Somewhere near the Iraq border)

Uncertainty reigns. Sectarian strife has struck Iraq. Our brigade has been put on full alert in case we get the order to proceed north.* Political ramifications must be considered. If we (the brigade) are sent north, what signal does that send to the insurgents, our allies, and the rest of the world? Does it suggest that the U.S. is losing control of Iraq? How many soldiers will it take to ensure stability? As much as I want to go north, I don’t want to do it at the expense of sacrificing the efforts of those who came before me. I believe that if we go north, it will open up a whole new can of worms. The best reaction is to not over-react. This could be a true test of the fledgling Iraqi government and its security forces. If they can handle this trial, then we can be confident that democracy and stability will survive. If the Iraqi security forces and the government are not up to the task, then God help us, civil war will break out. That is my worst fear. Religious leaders must step up and denounce the violence. I fear that the Iraqi government leaders have yet to earn the trust of the people, Shiite and Sunni alike. The imams, ayatollahs, and sheiks must provide wisdom from the minarets of their mosques. That is the bottom line. This situation is too sensitive religiously for the U.S. to tackle. We would only inflame the anger of both sides. No, this issue must be settled by the Iraqis for the sake of their country.

In dealing with issues such as these, the U.S. Army has a history of taking the bull by the horns, attacking the issue head-on. A few weeks ago, a senior British army officer wrote a report critiquing the U.S. Army on these type issues. I agree with the Brit. In this situation, subtlety is required. If we truly want Iraq to be able to stand on its own, we must let the country operate without assistance. Iraq is a toddler learning to walk on its own. It may fall a few times, but we must let it get up on its own and keep at it or else, it will never grow and learn to run. And so the Soldier’s life continues…

* Note. At the time this entry was written, this information could not be released due to OPSEC (operational security). Following in line with my policy, I am publishing this entry after the Stars and Stripes covered our alert status in their March 2, 2006 issue, Europe/Middle East edition.