Operation Iraqi Freedom in retrospect

Courtesy Photo | Capt. James Simpson, is the deputy commander of the Rear-Detachment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. Success in Iraq leads to the inevitable reduction in U.S. troop levels. How much of a reduction and how soon is for the National Command Authority to decide. Cynics among us dare not speak the word "success" when referring to Iraq, said Simpson. But years from now, if freedom and democracy spread throughout the region, and tyrannical governments begin to fall, one may look back and recognize the monumental achievements of the past few years.  

FORT HOOD, TEXAS, UNITED STATES

09.13.2008

Courtesy Story

1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

By Capt. James Simpson
1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

FORT HOOD, Texas — There is no shortage of critics when it comes to our efforts in Iraq. U.S. publications are replete with negative stories about our government, our allies, military units and sometimes individual service members.

One must look hard to find any stories of success in the last few years; however, as we've recently turned a corner in Operation Iraqi Freedom, it's appropriate to reflect on the accomplishments that got us here.

The invasion began in March 2003 with more than 200,000 coalition forces troops. By mid-April of that year, the Saddam regime was completely defeated and commanders immediately turned their attention to control over looting and other civil concerns. By May, a coalition forces provisional authority was established to pave the way for democracy in Iraq. At the same time, strategic commanders were faced with a growing insurgent threat.

Initially, many of the targets for the U.S. and British armies were Ba'ath party officials. Two of these were Saddam's sons, Qusay and Uday Hussein. Uday in particular had a reputation as a completely malicious thug. In July 2003, a task force cornered and killed the two brothers after a lengthy firefight. Dozens of other former regime members were also captured during this time. In December of the same year, a task force, with assistance from the 4th Infantry Division, captured Saddam Hussein in Operation Red Dawn.

In March 2004, the Iraqi Governing Council took office and signed a temporary constitution. By June, control over Iraq was handed over to the Iraqi government. While the Americans and their Allies continued counter insurgency operations, they also began to train and expand Iraqi security forces including the Iraqi army and the Iraqi national police. In early 2005, the Iraqi people held free elections for the Iraqi national assembly. The new assembly promptly chose Ibrahim al Jaafari as the new Iraqi prime minister.

The Government of Iraq was successful in drafting and approving a constitution by October 2005. The approval of the Iraqi constitution required significant negotiation and cooperation between Shia, Sunni and Kurd representatives. In December, elections were held and more than 12 million voters participated. After lengthy negotiations, the new government was seated and Nouri al Maliki became the new Iraqi prime minister. This again demonstrated successful political cooperation among various factions. The newly elected Iraqi government faced an immediate challenge in reducing the influence of militias.

Two primary threats to coalition forces, including Iraqi forces, were continual resistance from militias and attacks by al-Qaida in Iraq. Al Zarqawi posed a threat not only to U.S. Soldiers, but to democracy in Iraq. He strongly opposed moderate government of Muslim states and made numerous attacks to undermine cooperation between the Sunni and Shia. In June of 2006, al Zarqawi was killed by a coalition air strike north of Baghdad. Although scores of other anti-Iraqi forces were killed or captured during 2006, the insurgency remained a viable threat to the U.S. military and the future of Iraq.

In December 2006, Saddam Hussein was executed for crimes against humanity. He was tried in Iraqi court and given justice under Iraqi law. A chapter in Iraq's history that included oppression and tyranny had come to a close. But the Iraqi people still had much to achieve in the way of peace and prosperity. While coalition troops struggled to achieve complete success over the insurgency, they maintained a vast effort to improve Iraqi infrastructure. Tens of billions of dollars were spent since the invasion fro projects to improve water, sewage and electricity across Iraq. Further, local commanders helped communities improve everything from schools to soccer fields.

In January 2007, a plan was announced by President George W. Bush to add an additional 20,000 American troops to Iraq. This "surge" was to achieve a decisive blow against al-Qaida and other threats to Iraqi sovereignty. The military success would then give the Government of Iraq the opportunity for further political cooperation and less dependence on U.S. forces. The surge has achieved many of its stated goals. Since the additional Soldiers arrived in Iraq, al-Qaida is significantly less menacing to the Iraqi people. Further, the influence and power of Shia militias have been drastically reduced. Both of these achievements were made not only due to military operations, but cooperation from Iraqi leaders and the populace.

By mid-2008, troop levels are nearing pre-surge levels. Various reports during the last few months illustrate remarkable progress in Iraq. The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad reported that 15 to 18 political benchmarks have been met by the Iraqi government. Another report states that in July of this year, U.S. casualties were at their lowest level since the invasion. Also, the Government of Iraq is closer to being self-sufficient monetarily. Oil output now exceeds that of pre-war levels. There are also many good examples of emerging private sector investment and modernization.

Success in Iraq leads to the inevitable reduction in U.S. troop levels. How much of a reduction and how soon is for the National Command Authority to decide. Cynics among us dare not speak the word "success" when referring to Iraq. But years from now, if freedom and democracy spread throughout the region, and tyrannical governments begin to fall, one may look back and recognize the monumental achievements of the past few years. These achievements were made possible because of the U.S. military, our allies and Iraqi citizens. Americans and people throughout the world should hope the very best for this young democracy, just as we did for Eastern European democracies after the fall of communism.

• Date Taken: 09.13.2008
• Date Posted: 09.13.2008 08:30
• Story ID: 23593
• Location: FORT HOOD, TEXAS, US