That’s it, apparently. Phased in slowly, with a mere 10,000 or so Iraqi government soldiers. To retake Baghdad block by block. I’ll be fascinated to know if even Fred Kagan thinks this is sufficient. But I’ll wait for the details tonight. Here’s the White House’s broad rationale. I have to say I’m shocked by its naivete. Here’s the regional strategy:
Iraqi:
* Vigorously engage Arab states.
* Take the lead in establishing a regional forum to give support and help from the neighborhood.
* Counter negative foreign activity in Iraq.
* Increase efforts to counter PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party).Coalition:
* Intensify efforts to counter Iranian and Syrian influence inside Iraq.
* Increase military presence in the region.
* Strengthen defense ties with partner states in the region.
* Encourage Arab state support to Government of Iraq.
* Continue efforts to help manage relations between Iraq and Turkey.
* Continue to seek the region’s full support in the War on Terror.
It makes Baker-Hamilton look realistic.
The Dish 