Time for a Timetable
This piece originally appeared in the Howey Political Report. I thought it salient to reprint here with the recent discssion about a timetable for Iraq.
I normally don’t write about the war in Iraq. My personal belief is going into Iraq was a mistake because the true problem in the war on terror was Iran, as we are seeing today. However, I do not subscribe to the “cut and run” crowd, nor do I believe in “staying the course.” I do think however, it is time for a deadline.
Why a deadline? Think about this. When I was in college I did an independent study course. Part of it involved getting a paper done. The professor I had was adamant about the deadlines and I made sure I met them. Some of my other counterparts though had professors who gave them no deadline, but just told them to get the paper done whenever. They never got it done, because there was no deadline.
Now you maybe saying to yourself, “Abdul, Iraq is not a term paper.” You’re right, but the same underlying theme still applies. If the Iraqis don’t have a deadline, what incentive is there for them to step up to the plate and get control over their own country? Obviously the current sectarian violence isn’t incentive enough. The Associated Press is reporting at least 700 people have been killed this month due to the violence. So maybe a deadline is in order.
Now obviously there are consequences to not meeting a deadline. In college you fail. In Iraq, the consequence should not be for American troops to leave, per se. But I am of the mindset that dividing up the country into three autonomous regions will be the way to go. As my Dad would say, “If you boys can’t play together, your mother and I are going to have to separate you!”
There have been several proposals on the table to partition the country into autonomous Sunni, Shiite and Kurdish regions. A new Iraqi Federation could be created, with each region sharing the proceeds from the nation’s oil revenues. It’s harsh, but maybe necessary. Obviously the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki can’t do the job. If you don’t think dividing Iraq will work, I point to the old Soviet Union, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia.
The President opposes a timetable for Iraq, saying it will embolden the terrorists. I argue a timetable will light the fire under the Iraqis and embolden them to take control of their destiny.
