Biden Opposes Further Troop Buildup in Iraq

Strategic Insights -

As the incoming chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Democrat Senator Joseph Biden voiced strong opposition to a further buildup of U.S. troops in Iraq. Speaking before a new plan for the Iraq War was announced by President George W. Bush, Biden stated that increasing troops by up to 30,000 would be an ineffective strategy, citing a study by the RAND Corporation and the U.S. Army that suggests a ratio of one U.S. soldier per 50 insurgents is needed to achieve success. Biden emphasized that even with a surge of troops, the ratio would remain unfavorable, potentially drawing down support in other parts of Iraq, including Anbar province.

Key Takeaways:

  • Senator Joseph Biden opposes a further buildup of U.S. troops in Iraq, considering it an "absolute wrong strategy."
  • Biden cited a study by the RAND Corporation and the U.S. Army suggesting a ratio of one U.S. soldier per 50 insurgents is needed to prevail in Iraq.
  • The study recommends a ratio as low as one U.S. soldier per 20 insurgents, but Biden believes even a surge of troops would not achieve a favorable ratio.
  • With Baghdad's population of six million, a ratio of one U.S. soldier to 100 would still be unfavorable, according to Biden.
  • Increasing troop levels in Iraq may draw down support in other parts of the country, including Anbar province.
  • U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates has signed orders to send 3,500 American troops to Kuwait, signaling a potential increase in troop levels in Iraq.
  • The RAND Corporation is a well-respected think tank that provides analysis on military and defense matters.

Statistics:

  • Up to 30,000 American troops may be added to the existing force in Iraq (according to Biden).
  • 50:1 is the recommended ratio of U.S. soldiers to insurgents, according to studies by the RAND Corporation and the U.S. Army.
  • 100:1 is the estimated ratio of U.S. soldiers to insurgents in a city like Baghdad, according to Biden.
  • 6 million: the population of Baghdad.
  • 3,500: the number of American troops ordered to be sent to Kuwait by U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

Sources:

  • Xinhua (December 26, 2006)
  • XINHUA NEWS AGENCY (Copyright 2006)
  • RAND Corporation (study cited by Senator Biden)
  • U.S. Army (study cited by Senator Biden)