Obama and Iraq

It seems that anything concerning Iraq and American is a heated topic, however this week presents the greatest decision that American President, Barack Obama has made; to declare war with Iraq. 

The president won’t call it a war, even though we will be bombing ISIS in Iraq and Syria, and despite the fact that we have an open-ended commitment to put an as yet uncertain number of US (non-combat) boots on the ground to help the new Iraq government and the anti-ISIS coalition. And, since the president doesn’t call it a war, he won't feel the need to seek permission from Congress.

Personally, this plan does not give me a lot of confidence. It does not sound very stable; that trial and error is needed in order for the plan to succeed. It also sounds like a plan the president has arrived at reluctantly, and hopes to carry it out with the bare minimum of force, thus lessening his political risk but putting our forces at considerable risk.

I think that a back up plan is needed, just incase that there are implications that will cause dramatic consequences. As in the video link, Obama states many 'don't's' in this plan, which limits any expansion for a plan B. I do not believe in war and I do not advocate violence. In drastic times however, using America's military does seem the appropriate action to take to protect national interests. 

The Middle East has been engulfed in civil wars since the days of the Old Testament, well before Muhammed founded Islam. It is a place of constantly shifting alliances, and temporary allegiances (The Australian, 2014) The latest incarnation of Middle East war is between Shiites and Sunnis.  The radical Sunnis of ISIS want to establish a worldwide Caliphate under their direction. The radical Shiites in Iran also want to establish a worldwide Caliphate under their direction (Ten News, 2014). 

When there are no good options, it is useful to go back to basics. Other than the horrific inhumanity of constant, brutal war, why do we care what happens in Syria and Iraq?  What interests do we have in a region halfway around the world?  

I am eager to see what the future holds for this topic. I fear that many lives are endangered and it is sad that world peace feels so far away. 


References 

http://tenplay.com.au/news/national/latest-news/features/forming-a-us-coalition

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/unintended-consequences-could-doom-the-latest-us-mission-in-iraq/story-e6frg6zo-1227054439130#mm-premium