It is necessary, and achievable, to insist on full and proper implementation of the power-sharing agreement of 2010, with proper checks and balances to prevent abuse of power, and full formation of the government and its institutions on a nonsectarian basis. Malign regional influences must be counterbalanced. Failing these steps, new elections free from foreign meddling, and with a truly independent judiciary and election commission, may be the only way to rescue Iraq from the abyss. Allawi
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My resolve to take a vacation did not last long. Nevertheless I think this is so importants a statement by Ayad Allawi that I must make sure it is highlighted.
There is all kinds of interesting news today in the Post. TTG and I are vindicated by a story that affirms our belief over the months that the Qathafi government was a hollow shell. and then there is another story concerning Israel's resignation to the impending admission of Palestine to the UN as a member state. That will have a major impact as Israel becomes vulnerable to condemnation for "crimes" against a member state. Sanctions will be a possibility as well as indictment of individuals at the ICC.
Allawi wants implementation of last years power sharing agreement in Baghdad. Good luck to him! Maliki holds most of the cards and will never give "consensus" candidates the Defense and Interior (police) ministries. ALL WE DID IN IRAQ IS SUBSTITUTE ONE SECTARIAN TYRANNY FOR ANOTHER. pl
mbrenner
Here's the link in English:
http://www.avnery-news.co.il/english/
Posted by: Fred | 02 September 2011 at 07:13 PM
Colonel,
Yes, Israel is/was/will be prominent in the calculus of risk for DC's MidEast posture....but what of the point suggested by "Rd" - that in some way, the Iran factor, however we choose to describe this, could not have been overlooked? That is, it seems inconceivable that the the thinkers in the US Armed Forces could not have known, ab initio, regime change in Baghdad would have inevitable salutary affects for Tehran. To me, Washington MUST have known, by SUBSTITUTING ONE SECTARIAN TYRANNY FOR ANOTHER, as you put it meant Iran's hand necessarily would be strengthened. Could it be post March 2003 the new balance of power in the region came as a surprise? Impossible.
Posted by: mac | 03 September 2011 at 12:12 AM
mac
In Myers-Briggs terms, the officer corps is dominated by "SJ" types. pl
Posted by: Patrick Lang | 03 September 2011 at 12:43 AM
In Iraq the USA policy is to drap any system with the cover story that things are better for our decade long (perhaps two decade long?) efforts in that country!
The drappery of course is only for USA consumption and as long as some exists no matter how frayed the politicals and career military will be satisfied that their efforts will be regarded as an achievement in that Iraq effort.
I have a very different version. I believe we (the USA) have taught the Iraqis almost all the wrong lessons and now when they eventually recover their footing they will be a real threat to any kind of long term stability in their region. Their potential rivals of Egypt, Turkey, and Iran have had none of their close up and personal look at the Americans of the last several decades. That look has IMO imedded several first principles in their minds. Mask the iron fist with some democratic fictions like elections. Make sure that ethnic and religious rivalries are kept within the country and do not impact relationships with the "Great Powers"! And whatever you do try and steal enough or power your way to enough clout to get out of IRAQ! Almost 6 million of Iraq's population is now in a permanent diaspora. Time will tell what this population thinks about "return"! After all look at Mr. Chalabi's "successful" return.
Posted by: William R. Cumming | 03 September 2011 at 06:55 AM
Colonel,
I will have to look that up....
As always, thank you.
Posted by: mac | 03 September 2011 at 10:17 PM
mac
I am an INTP. pl
Posted by: Patrick Lang | 04 September 2011 at 12:04 AM
ENTJ here! Approximately 40% of all populations that have taken the meyers/briggs!
Posted by: William R. Cumming | 04 September 2011 at 07:49 AM
WRC
The US adult population is 50% SP. The Army enlisted population mirrors that. The Army officer corps at the War College selection level is 50% SJ. pl
Posted by: Patrick Lang | 04 September 2011 at 07:53 AM
Col. Lang,
If the officer corps is largely SJ and you are an INTP, did you ever find that this difference presented a challenge to you?
I can imagine that it would. When I took a Myers-Briggs test I was off-the-charts N and P and reading the descriptions of the SJ type made me laugh out loud - it was like they were describing my nemesis! (The pencil-pushing bureaucrat, to put it rudely. No doubt the SJs have at least as unflattering a term for the likes of me.)
On another note, I'd guess that the P part of your temperament contributed to your strength as an analyst. Something about considering all possibilities.
Dan Gackle
Posted by: Dan Gackle | 04 September 2011 at 03:39 PM
Dan Gackle
At the War College selectee level (about 4% of all eligible)NTs are about 12%. They do most of the heavy lifting in the creative department, but, it is still a problem, with SJs who insist that you are "just guessing." pl
Posted by: Patrick Lang | 04 September 2011 at 06:24 PM