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

Strategic Insights -

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