I just wish we had politicians of the calibre of the military running the war in Iraq. The aim is clearly to minimise the loss of life of both the Iraqis and the coalition troops. Unfortunately it appears that war could get nasty as there appears to be plans to fight a guerilla and urban war. This will inevitably mean the loss of civilian and western troops.
Of concern is the probability of a second war starting over northern Iraq involving the Kurds and the Turkish army. This has the potential to quickly expand and could lead to uprisings in the Kurdish areas of Turkey – which in turn could lead to terrorism.
Also the situation in Basra looks tense. The electricity and therefore the water supply has been destroyed – the most probably culprits – Iraqi forces loyal to Saddam. Irregular forces are sniping – mixing with Iraqi troops and then causing fire fights. I have the fear that these forces are going to try and put the western forces into a situation where they are seen killing civilians – and are also seen causing the deaths of thousands through lack of water, food and medical help etc. This in turn could trigger a civil war between different faction within Iraq – which will make the peace harder.
I hope – but it will never happen – that a lucky bomb – kills Saddam and the regime collapses. But it won’t. So the build up to full war – and civil war – will be rougher – and many people will die.
The politicians – Bush and Blair – have not thought this issue out properly – and should take their responsibilities and resign. They obviously won’t – but Blair will be ousted – and when the American people have to time to think this situation – they will turn on Bush – for playing with our troops lives.