Iraq: Defining Victory

Two articles that contrast the challenges in a Democracy during a war. Once the commitment to go to war is made, how do you avoid the perception that one political party wants to see the other lose?

We Have Won The War In Iraq,  (New York Daily News)…Michael Yon, July 21, 2008, Pg. 19

“The war in Iraq is over. We won. Which means the Iraqi people won.” When I wrote this on my Web site a few days ago, I set off a mini-firestorm. Perhaps because I have spent more time embedded with combat troops in Iraq than any journalist I know – and have interviewed countless Iraqis and members of the coalition military.

So I will be very clear what I mean when I say we have won the war. A counterinsurgency is won when the government’s legitimacy is no longer threatened by the insurgents, the government is able to protect its own people and the people are participating in the government. In Iraq, all three conditions apply.

We should keep some troop presence in Iraq to continue supporting the ISF in its peacekeeping mission. There will still be sporadic violence and even spectacular attacks. But I believe that by the end of the year, barring some unexpected setback, even the most ardent war critics will have to admit the obvious: The war is over. We won.

Yon, a former Green Beret, is author of the book “Moment of Truth in Iraq” and writes at www.michaelyon-online.com.

 

The Democrats’ Baghdad Two-Step, (Washington Post)…Peter Hoekstra. July 21, 2008 Pg. 15

It’s hard not to have heard about the positive developments in Iraq lately.

How have Democrats reacted to these developments? Have they reveled in the news that U.S. casualties have plummeted? Have they praised the achievements for which our troops have fought so hard? Have they congratulated the Iraqi government for progress in political reconciliation?

Not exactly.

While there is much still to be done in Iraq, recent events give many reasons for hope. Rather than always focusing on the negative of one front in the battle against radical jihadists, Democratic congressional leaders need to acknowledge success, highlight challenges and lay out a comprehensive long-term strategy to confront, contain and ultimately defeat the threat facing America. Our country cannot be led by naysayers who slide from issue to issue. The responsibilities of leadership go far beyond what Democrats in Congress are demonstrating today.

The writer, a representative from Michigan, is the ranking Republican on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.