On Iraq

Some quick thoughts from the Pilgrim regarding Iraq as it dominates the news today:

1. The Iraq Study Group will release it's report today.  Don't expect too much.  Remember, it is the Administration that needs to act.  And the Administration has a couple of "studies" of its own going, which may reach different conclusions.
2. Iraq has created a terrible situation in the Middle East.  Military people are increasingly concerned about a widened Middle East sectarian conflict.  We need to keep an eye on Iran and Syria in this area of course, but a key player in Iraq may end up being Saudi Arabi.
3. Lebanon is another complicator.  That country has moved from a "beacon of democracy" to a potential civil war in a matter of months.  And Syria in particular, to a lesser degree Iran, are players there as well.

As people have recently been saying in regards to the ISG report- there are no good options.  There are only 'less bad' options.  The ISG Report cannot solve problems for us.  Only some very effective foreign policy and diplomacy can begin moving us towards solutions.

 

I fear our time is growing limited to begin to turn things in a more positive direction- to stem the tide towards a regional conflict.

 

GP