The Long War Journal: Close Proximity

Written by Bill Roggio on March 24, 2005 1:20 PM to The Long War Journal

Available online at: http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2005/03/close_proximity.php

The direct military engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan have given the United States the ability to take the fight to the heart of the Middle East and Central Asia from a military, diplomatic and ideological standpoint. The military and geopolitical dimensions are often covered in depth, but the ideological dimension is often ignored. In the comments section of yesterday’s post, Judging Success in Iraq, reader socialism_is_error clearly explains how direct engagement in Iraq contributes to the ideological battle. Combat in Iraq has drawn out the terrorists and forced the peoples of the Middle East to deal with them head on:

The Muslim-on-the-street is increasingly unable to ignore the nature of our enemies as they continue to reveal themselves as his enemies also. Direct, personal experience cannot be denied or masked by the MSM as events at a distance can be. Those who might have cheered 9/11 as a blow against the Great Satan now are inclined to alter their thinking as they gather up fragments of children, grandparents and friends. More Dhias are inevitable. Their unofficial partnership is the final, crucial nail in the coffin. It encompasses not only the operational area, but the "hearts-and-minds" dimension of the GWOT [Global War On Terror].

No longer is terrorism a commodity to be exported to kill the hated Jews, Americans or Westerners. Terrorism is now their problem as well. As Iraqis experience the nature of terrorists on a daily basis, they become disgusted by their actions. Terrorists can be seen in their full glory up close and personal as angry, hateful criminals and murderers who are indiscriminate in dispensing death. Women, children, the sick and inferm, worshippers and religious pilgrims are not exempt from carbombs and suicide belts. In fact, in order to boost the news value and create tension, they are often targets. Iraqi citizens are now protesting, joining the volunteer military, and fighting back.

STRATFOR, an influential private intelligence service lead by Dr. George Friedman, has changed its negative assessment of Iraq (hat tip Instapundit). In the analysis, Stratfor notes that the Iraqi military is performing better (a point made here three days ago) and the public’s perception is turning against the insurgency “but not necessarily toward the United States” (a point made here yesterday):

Iraqi government troops also are gaining ground. On March 22, Iraqi commandos, backed up by U.S. ground troops and aircraft, raided an insurgent camp near Tikrit. The Iraqis reported that 85 militants were killed in the raid. The coalition has said little about the operation, letting the Iraqis release most of the information and take most of the credit. While accounts of the raid vary -- the Iraqis could be overstating the number of enemy killed -- it is significant that the Interim Iraqi Government (IIG) is able to take credit for the victory as political developments and public sentiment turn against the insurgents but not necessarily toward the United States....

As the political process evolves, further government victories could be in the offing. Intense negotiations on the formation of the Cabinet, involving the United Iraqi Alliance, Kurdish List, Sunnis and other factions, have already begun. With Sunnis incorporated into a new government, progress on the political front likely will lead to further success on the battlefield as U.S. and Iraqi forces continue to keep pressure on the insurgents with raids, arrests and all-out offensive operations. These developments ultimately will support the U.S. strategy of turning the combat burden over to an emboldened and maturing Iraqi army.

Its seems the Arab Street isn’t as repulsed by American soldiers as the antiwarriors and Arabists have claimed. The same cannot be said for Islamic terrorists.

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