April 8, 2008: When this country took action against
Sadam Hussein and Iraq, the action was described as preemptive. At that time, I wrote about
the value of preemptive security, about how it is reasonable to take preventive security measures
against a known/documented source of a potential and realistically possible attack
against your land or premises.
So I wrote that while our preemptive strike may have been the correct action to take
at the time, it would have no value if, after our military was militarily victorious,
there had better not be any "broken windows", because if there were, we were in for a rough ride.
Unfortunately, it appears that there were security weaknesses all over the place.
Those weaknesses were the result of improper planning and lack of foreseeability on the
part of the government - usually the result of impulsive actions. Notwithstanding that
failure to properly plan, The United States has a moral responsibility to the people of Iraq
to make sure that what we started and hoped for comes to a proper and dignified conclusion for both parties.
So we are now impaled on the horns of a dilemma. A majority of our people and Democrat primary
candidates call for a quick withdrawal of troops. The Republican candidate talks about a
slower withdrawal, as does the military.
We can exit Iraq immediately - which covers about twelve to eighteen months. We can
leave some troops stationed in Iraq, with the consent of the Iraqi government. Or we
totally ignore the political upheaval our action has caused, "get out of town, with a
rear echelon protecting our back until we leave - then wish all those affected by the
remaining chaos (maybe) with a "good luck, and don't call us, we'll call you" message,
betting that the Iraqis will work out their own solution(s).
The main consideration is how will whatever action we take effect us here, at home.
Which is more important, that other countries love us, or we concentrate on our domestic problems?
Look, we had to get out of Viet Nam in a hurry, but things have worked out and/or are working out OK there.
The fact is, as still the most powerful and influential country in the world, our concern should not be
whether or not we are loved..rather, our concern should be getting back to our
ultimate strength, so that whether or not the world loves us, they will continue
or regain that respect for us based upon our economic, technological, liberty strengths
which have always been what has made us the world's leader (aside from out ability to
maintain a strong military and free populace at the same time).
So, I believe we should have a quick draw down leaving enough troops in Iraq to
protect our interests (as we have done in Europe and did in Japan). By doing that,
our military will not be as stretched as it is currently, and the National Guard can once again
be available for response on this land. As long as our populace makes the correct informed
decision as to the political future of this country, we will, of course, be in good shape,
but that's fodder for another post.
Preemptive actions are taken by everyone practicing effective and reasonable security.
Business and home owners do this all the time - locks on doors, securing their
property with fencing, controlled access, etc. The only problem I have found is that too often this
hardening of security is not complete. There may be one or two "broken windows" - the tell-tale
sign of a not completely secure premises.
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