The Hard Part

12 May 2003


US Bungles Occupation of Iraq

As predicted, occupying Iraq is much harder than conquering it. Alexander of Macedon knew that some time ago. However, the current bunch have brought a uniquely American buffoonery to the scene. One can only hope that the ineptitude does not result in loss of life.

For example, flyer were to be handed out recently to tell the people of Baghdad to stay indoors for a time to avoid possibly getting shot. There were not enough soldiers available to hand them out. Normally, such things would be announced over TV, but the electricity was still out. Moreover, the only TV in Iraq emanates from Iran. The US, home of most of the TV produced on the planet, hasn't figured out how to set up a TV station and a transmitter in its new province. Perhaps they should have wargamed against that.

It would be funny if it were not so tragic. If the Bush administration is to be believed, the current 150,000 or so troops there now will be cut to 30,000 within the next several months. Other nations will provide some replacements, but the overall numbers are simply inadequate. Add in to this the fact that many of the private sector "rebuilders" are still in the US, and one may start to think there is no hope of a successful occupation and withdrawal.

The Bush administration needs to get this right. After all, this war was not a surprise -- they had planned it for well over a year. In all that time, perhaps someone might have mentioned the day after.