Shocking: Insurgent Sniper Video Released
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CNN today released shocking video showing the targeting and execution of insurgent sniper attacks in Iraq. According to CNN, the video was produced by the Islamic Army of Iraq, likely for propaganda purposes. While al-Zarqawi was previously mocked for his lack of skill in operating his weapon, these marksmen are highly skilled and lethal. One of the U. S. soldiers interviewed about the sniper attacks estimated the firing distance at 300 m.
This video underscores the need for a change of tactics by Coalition Forces in Iraq. I initially supported Operation Iraqi Freedom and am firm in my support of the fine members of our military who are fighting it. However, there has been a distinct lack of accountability to the U. S. taxpayer with respect to the conflict's funding, as well as a corresponding lack of a plan (with concrete and measurable objectives) to successfully prosecute it. For these reasons I have concluded that Operation Iraqi Freedom is an under-performing government program. As a traditional conservative, I believe that such programs should be either fundamentally overhauled or terminated. As a full, immediate withdrawal is neither feasible nor desirable, the remaining option is a substantial shift in how we fight these insurgents.
As the video clearly indicates, having large numbers of conventional forces in Iraq is equivalent to having a target painted on the Coalition's collective back. For this reason, the Coalition needs to seriously consider shifting away from traditional patrols and towards employing special forces virtually exclusively in central Iraq. On an unannounced date, conventional forces should be redeployed to northern and southern Iraq to provide a sufficient deterrent against interference by Iran and Syria. These special forces would have a flexible command structure and be able to blend in with their surroundings. They would be tasked with neutralizing insurgents, ground-truthing airstrike targets and collecting intelligence.
This posture would deny insurgents the bulk of their targets and place them in a highly uncertain operational environment. This would make it more difficult for such groups to organize and carry out their barbarous activities. In addition, it would reduce the heavy collateral damage suffered by Iraqi civilians in each terrorist strike on Coalition Forces. If these strikes continue, Iraqis then wouldn't have the Coalition to blame and could focus their justifiable rage against the insurgents. They could then begin to take responsibility and rebuild Iraq on their terms.
News footage of Iraq show an industrialized country complete with an advanced power distribution network (despite the current unreliability of generation) and an extensive freeway system. This infrastructure was built by Iraqis before Operation Iraqi Freedom. As they are certainly capable, Iraqis should reap the most profit from the reconstruction of their nation and should therefore take the leading role in this critical task. In addition, engagement with constructive neighbors will create additional stakeholders in Iraq's economic growth and security, which will increase pressure on the groups which are currently impeding it.
The United States' continued superiority will depend on our ability to critically analyze current conditions and adapt accordingly. Given the threats in Iran and North Korea, as well as those developing elsewhere, this Nation cannot afford to "stay the course" when it comes to Iraq. We must gain a mature understanding of the context in which we are operating and bring this knowledge to bear to serve our interests. Traditional conservatism means applying common-sense solutions to real-world problems. If the sentiments of the American people are any indication (which they certainly are), we did not get the results we voted for in the last election. It is time that these results are forthcoming, as this great Nation deserves nothing less.
CNN today released shocking video showing the targeting and execution of insurgent sniper attacks in Iraq. According to CNN, the video was produced by the Islamic Army of Iraq, likely for propaganda purposes. While al-Zarqawi was previously mocked for his lack of skill in operating his weapon, these marksmen are highly skilled and lethal. One of the U. S. soldiers interviewed about the sniper attacks estimated the firing distance at 300 m.
This video underscores the need for a change of tactics by Coalition Forces in Iraq. I initially supported Operation Iraqi Freedom and am firm in my support of the fine members of our military who are fighting it. However, there has been a distinct lack of accountability to the U. S. taxpayer with respect to the conflict's funding, as well as a corresponding lack of a plan (with concrete and measurable objectives) to successfully prosecute it. For these reasons I have concluded that Operation Iraqi Freedom is an under-performing government program. As a traditional conservative, I believe that such programs should be either fundamentally overhauled or terminated. As a full, immediate withdrawal is neither feasible nor desirable, the remaining option is a substantial shift in how we fight these insurgents.
As the video clearly indicates, having large numbers of conventional forces in Iraq is equivalent to having a target painted on the Coalition's collective back. For this reason, the Coalition needs to seriously consider shifting away from traditional patrols and towards employing special forces virtually exclusively in central Iraq. On an unannounced date, conventional forces should be redeployed to northern and southern Iraq to provide a sufficient deterrent against interference by Iran and Syria. These special forces would have a flexible command structure and be able to blend in with their surroundings. They would be tasked with neutralizing insurgents, ground-truthing airstrike targets and collecting intelligence.
This posture would deny insurgents the bulk of their targets and place them in a highly uncertain operational environment. This would make it more difficult for such groups to organize and carry out their barbarous activities. In addition, it would reduce the heavy collateral damage suffered by Iraqi civilians in each terrorist strike on Coalition Forces. If these strikes continue, Iraqis then wouldn't have the Coalition to blame and could focus their justifiable rage against the insurgents. They could then begin to take responsibility and rebuild Iraq on their terms.
News footage of Iraq show an industrialized country complete with an advanced power distribution network (despite the current unreliability of generation) and an extensive freeway system. This infrastructure was built by Iraqis before Operation Iraqi Freedom. As they are certainly capable, Iraqis should reap the most profit from the reconstruction of their nation and should therefore take the leading role in this critical task. In addition, engagement with constructive neighbors will create additional stakeholders in Iraq's economic growth and security, which will increase pressure on the groups which are currently impeding it.
The United States' continued superiority will depend on our ability to critically analyze current conditions and adapt accordingly. Given the threats in Iran and North Korea, as well as those developing elsewhere, this Nation cannot afford to "stay the course" when it comes to Iraq. We must gain a mature understanding of the context in which we are operating and bring this knowledge to bear to serve our interests. Traditional conservatism means applying common-sense solutions to real-world problems. If the sentiments of the American people are any indication (which they certainly are), we did not get the results we voted for in the last election. It is time that these results are forthcoming, as this great Nation deserves nothing less.
posted by E. J. Neafsey | 18:10
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