IRAQ STUDY GROUP - NO SUBSTANCE, NO IDEAS!

After all of the hype, the speculation, the leaks and anticipation of the findings from the Iraq Study Group headed by former Secretary of State James Baker and Lee Hamilton this Congressionally convened commission offers little substance and no real ideas concerning the situation in Iraq. Their basic strategy consists of a responsible and gradual pull out by 2008 and negotiating with Iran and Syria. Nothing concerning controlling the sectarian violence, dealing with the terrorist elements including Al Qaeda or stabilizing the Iraqi government and Security Force other than embedding more US troops in certain high violence areas as support for Iraqi Security Forces. It took eight months to prepare and submit this vague and non-substantive report ? The report states the obvious that, "The situation in Iraq is grave and deteriorating. There is no path that can guarantee success, but the prospects can be improved." then re-enforces the obvious once again, "Our most important recommendations call for new and enhanced diplomatic and political efforts in Iraq and the region, and a change in the primary mission of U.S. forces in Iraq that will enable the United States to begin to move its combat forces out of Iraq responsibly. We believe that these two recommendations are equally important and reinforce one another. If they are effectively implemented, and if the Iraqi government moves forward with national reconciliation, Iraqis will have an opportunity for a better future, terrorism will be dealt a blow, stability will be enhanced in an important part of the world, and America's credibility, interests and values will be protected." While the recommendations from the group offer more detail the basic plan as outlined by this highly touted group offers nothing in the way of a new or revised strategy, establishing much needed stability for the Iraq government. Nor do they tackle the continued sectarian and terrorist related violence and dealing with the increased involvement of Iran and Syria to further destabilize the situation by funding, backing and supplying fighters for the different factions that are creating the violence in the country. The suggestion to negotiate with Iran and Syria in essence rewards both countries for their participation in destabilizing Iraq by making them a partner in the establishment and stabilization of the country. Is this really how this group expects the United States to deal with rogue nations that use terrorism and weaponry as a negotiating tool in order to press their theocratic Islamic agenda on their neighbors ? Whatever happened to US policy that we do not negotiate with terrorists ? Yet this study group is advising that we negotiate with the recognized terrorist states of Iran and Syria in order so seek a stabilized Iraq and the ability to pull our troops out of the country. Their involvement in Iraq was designed to force through terror tactics the collapse of a free government in Iraq and the ability to dictate and establish policy that is in accordance to the Islamic radical governments and theocracy that rules Syria and Iran respectively and now the study group is suggesting that we negotiate and basically give these two terror states exactly what they have wanted, a say in how Iraq will be governed and a foot hold to controlling the country once we are gone! This group was a waste of time and money since it offers nothing new nor any substance as to how to deal with the Iraq situation other than to state the obvious and suggest the dangerous while pulling troops out to satisfy those calling for a pull out. All of us want our troops home, but to pull out without a plan to leave the country as a stable free government without the danger of being overthrown by radical regimes such as Iran and Syria and ending any threat of Al Qaeda and other terror elements taking over the country is dangerous to Iraqis, the Middle East as a whole, Israel and ultimately The United States. If this is the best that Congress can provide as far as a, "plan, " for Iraq then heaven help us! Thankfully the military and the Commander in Chief handle strategy and do not have to follow suggestions when they are as weak and dangerous as those supplied by the Iraq Study Group!

Ken Taylor