The Pace of Events Quickens in Iraq: An Aggressive New Mind-Set Takes Hold

As the situation in Iraq continues to evolve, US and Iraqi officials are opting for a more aggressive approach, with a focus on taking back cities and establishing the Iraqi government's authority. The decision to retake Samarra has been cited as a model for future operations, and officials are now looking to pacify Baghdad, which they believe is crucial to securing the country. This new mind-set is a departure from the previous strategy, which emphasized patience and training for Iraqi troops. The Iraqi interim prime minister, Ayad Allawi, has been instrumental in pushing for a more assertive approach, and his government is working closely with the US military to identify targets and develop strategies.

Key Takeaways:

• The US and Iraqi governments have shifted from a more patient approach to a more aggressive strategy, focusing on taking back cities and establishing the Iraqi government's authority.
• The decision to retake Samarra has been cited as a model for future operations, and officials are now looking to pacify Baghdad, which is considered crucial to securing the country.
• Iraqi interim prime minister Ayad Allawi has been instrumental in pushing for a more assertive approach, and his government is working closely with the US military to identify targets and develop strategies.
• The decision-making process involves constant consultations between State Department types, military officials, and Iraqi officials, with input from Washington honchos like Powell, Rumsfeld, and Bush.
• The goal is to give Iraqis the room to make their own decisions and to avoid smothering them, according to Defense Secretary Rumsfeld.
• The pacification of Baghdad is considered essential to securing the country, with Rumsfeld stating that "Baghdad is the big casino. You don't have Baghdad, you don't have Iraq."

Statistics:

• At least three cities have been identified as priority targets in the new strategy, with Falluja and Baghdad at the top of the list.
• The US military has been involved in major operations in Samarra, with a successful retaking of the city cited as a model for future operations.
• The Iraqi government is working to develop its intelligence capabilities, with a focus on gathering information on terrorist groups and their safe havens.
• The upcoming elections are seen as a key test of the new strategy, with officials hoping that the political process will help to stabilize the country.

Sources:

• Administration officials, July
• Colin Powell, July
• Donald Rumsfeld, April
• Robert Blackwill, National Security Council
• Ayad Allawi, Iraqi interim prime minister