Military Analyst’s Firsthand Experience in Iraq Contradicts Right-Wing Rhetoric on Escalation
Military Analyst’s Firsthand Experience in Iraq Contradicts Right-Wing Rhetoric on Escalation
The views articulated in this post do not reflect the opinions of the National Academy of Public Administration, Tatweer, or any other organizations mentioned in the article.
Center for American Progress senior fellow and former Reagan Pentagon official Lawrence Korb recently returned from a 10-day visit to Baghdad to “assist the government of Iraq’s efforts to strengthen public administration in its civilian ministries” and uncovered results that only affirm that “the surge is not working.”
Korb noted that U.S. defense contractors, who have benefited heavily from the Iraq war, were curiously restrained in talking about the situation on the ground on the record. Major defense contractors, including those from Blackwater and Halliburton, were mum about the troop escalation only until Korb emphasized that he was not affiliated with the media:
The long wait did allow me to speak to some of the contractors about the situation on the ground. When I assured them I was not a member of the press, they were unanimous that the surge was not working. One of them said that members of Muqtada Al-Sadr’s militia have sold their guns and melted back into the population in Sadr City and will buy back their guns at the appropriate time (our own security guard said something similar).
Korb noted several other problems facing the country, much of which has yet to even be noted by the mainstream media:
In their video conferences, Maliki and Bush do not really communicate. The official also noted that in his discussions with visiting members of Congress there is really not much dialogue, with both sides giving canned presentations.
The other thing that struck me was the lack of American soldiers patrolling the neighborhoods. In fact, in my whole time here I did not see one American soldier outside the Green Zone.
Most people speaking off the record believe that the insurgents will shift to other areas and lay low for a while in Baghdad.
But if one uses the reports of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction and pushes the briefers, a different picture emerges. The place is a mess and despite the almost heroic efforts of some Americans and some Iraqis it is not getting better. One of the consultants told me not to believe anyone who says that the situation is getting better.
The real issue is if the latest surge will work. The most optimistic projection was “maybe temporarily.”
Korb’s multiple meetings with top Iraqi officials and his firsthand experience in Iraq last week provide further evidence that the rosy claims about progress in Iraq are simply a desperate attempt to spin an increasingly unpopular war.
UPDATE: Kevin Drum notes some additional details from Korb’s trip.
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Memo to MSM: Time to start smearing Lawrence Korb
April 17th, 2007 at 6:45 pmSmear time…
April 17th, 2007 at 6:48 pmWhat about the Senator from Arizona? He was able to take a stroll through a market without any security. This guy Korb, he must be a plant by the MSM to give us only the bad news. I thought the US military was building schools and giving out soccer balls to Iraqi children?
April 17th, 2007 at 6:50 pmActually, I can give you the ‘official’ response now…
Mr. Korb is one of many analysts that have been sent to Iraq. Some say the surge is working, some do not. The bottom line is that violence in Baghdad is down, and progress is being made. Also, it seems interesting that he said he wasn’t a member of the press, but seemed perfectly happy going to the press as soon as he got back. That kinda makes him a liar.
Something along those lines…
Maybe even throw in a ‘He criticized that he didn’t see any US troops outside the green zone. Perhaps he would be in favor of a surge in troops to put on the streets.’
The 30% will buy it…
April 17th, 2007 at 6:54 pmUh, I was outside the Green Zone for a year, so were a LOT of other soldiers. What’s he smoking? There are plenty of FOBs outside of the IZ. This is probably just miscommunicated. He probably meant there aren’t any soldiers hanging out in cafes on Haifa street.
April 17th, 2007 at 6:55 pmI think it would be a mistake to just leave Iraq without enforcing a plan and some measures that would ensure that Iraq does not implode. Our government really needs to partner with world leaders to devise an economic plan to make sure what happened in Afghanistan does not happen in Iraq. The only answer to the Iraqi and Middle-eastern problems is an economic one where Iraq can be rebuilt and thrive in the future. The recent wave of protests and escalating attacks proves that what we are doing is not working so there needs to be an alternative that is economic rather than violent.
According to the Borgen Project, $340 billion has already been spent in Iraq and we have a $522 billion military budget. What has resulted from that money? The money would be better spent on plans such as the UN Millennium Development Goals to end global poverty. Just $19 billion annually can end starvation and malnutrition. Issues such as poverty foster a lot of the tensions that exist in the world today. As leaders in this world, we really need to get behind peaceful growth rather than war.
April 17th, 2007 at 6:55 pmTop 10 memes the Bush cultists will repeat to try to discredit Mr. Korb and his report:
1) He is too old. Senility is setting in.
April 17th, 2007 at 7:00 pm2) He was in Baghdad for 10 days only. How can he get an accurate picture of what is going on in Iraq?
3) He was only in Baghdad. How can he get an accurate picture of what is going on in Iraq?
4) He is a liberal. A moonbat. A radical leftist.
5) He has been brainwashed by the liberal press.
6) He was bribed.
7) He hates Bush.
8) He doesn’t know anything about foreign policy.
9) He is aiding, abetting, and giving comfort to the enemy by making his statements public.
9) Things are actually going very well in Iraq.
10) Pres Bush already decided for the surge. He is The Decider.
But,But,But…
April 17th, 2007 at 7:01 pmJohn-Boy says it’s such a nice safe place.
Surely he can’t be mistaken or ignorant or lying.
Or can he, or they?
Stay tuned, folks.
The kool-aid table is being set up now.
Enjoy.
DEMAND IMPEACHMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#5 …wow… anther spamolious post
April 17th, 2007 at 7:01 pmelite c;
What do you propose to accomplish such a task? I think the proof is in the pudding, even with us ADDING more soldiers, Iraq IS imploding – right now.
I think it’s time for us to pull out, putting the blame for this debacle where it belongs, and try and help Iraq however we can OTHER that with American lives.
April 17th, 2007 at 7:05 pmHave the contractors been ordered by the Bush administration to tow the party line when talking to the press?
April 17th, 2007 at 7:06 pm#5 – elle c
Too late. Iraq already imploding. Good money after bad.
All Bush’s fault.
April 17th, 2007 at 7:09 pmThe scariest comment was that Moqtada al sadr is melting down their guns for later use at the “appropriate time” Withdrawal isn’t a timeline for US defeat, it’s a timeline for an Iraqi slaughter.
April 17th, 2007 at 7:10 pmEven Republican Sen. Hagel said this in his attempt to put the best “spin” on the issue:
April 17th, 2007 at 7:10 pmI think, my assessment, as I noted on my fifth trip, is that Iraq still has great challenges ahead of it.
Korb finally elicited comments when he said he was not the “press.”
(what does that say about the reporting from the msm press today?)
The American people are finally getting the message despite the White House propaganda efforts – the war in Iraq is lost. It is a civil war – we are stuck in the middle. The boil of blood and poison will burst when we leave, but our staying there is only making the boil enlarge and fester.
Bush has put us into an untenable situation – we can’t stay and we can’t get out – so the best option we have is get out and save as many of our own as we can. We will not recover from this debacle in my lifetime, and I doubt the Iraqis will either.
The scariest comment was that Moqtada al Sadr was melting down their guns for use later on at the “appropriate time.”
Withdrawal isn’t a timeline for US defeat, it’s a timeline for Iraqi slaughter.
April 17th, 2007 at 7:15 pmIt’d be a good time for the moveon’s the various anti-war candidates, and non-neocon swiftboat equivalent advertisers would start the propaganda machine in favor of the majority by carefully illustrating the TRUTH about the surge, Bush’s plan (or lack thereof), and how congress should indeed stop sending money.
It’s time to drop that 36% to Cheney’s level of support. Time to shut down that warmongering evil-doer piece of shit. Then throw his unpopular ass in jail.
April 17th, 2007 at 7:25 pmOf course the surge is not working….it could NEVER work. Even Gen Patreus said a military victory is not possible, Kissinger too.
We tried the ‘whack-a-mole’ fiasco in Vietnam to no avail. We are pursuing the same failed strategies/policies against the noble freedom fighters in Iraq. Escalation did not work in Vietnam, it could never work. then, or now in Iraq. These freedom fighters are trying to liberate their land from an illegal, immoral, unjustified invasion and occupation. The US are oppressors.
Iraq for the Iraqis. US out now!
April 17th, 2007 at 7:32 pmHere is sarcasm at its best. From Corporate America (Our Corporate at least). Check out the new Apple Computer at http://www.glumbert.com/media/irack.
April 17th, 2007 at 7:32 pmSh*t. Bush knows more about warrin’ than this j*ck*ss traitorin’ sum’ bitch!
April 17th, 2007 at 7:33 pmIn fact, in my whole time here I did not see one American soldier outside the Green Zone.
Probably could have left that comment out of the summary of his trip if the idea was to portray him as having had a non-insulated experience.
April 17th, 2007 at 7:42 pmFunny on so many levels.
#17
Sorry, my bad! If this one doesn’t work I am going to bed and you can Google glumberg and find it yourself.
http://glumbert.com/media/irack.
April 17th, 2007 at 7:44 pm#17 – Clyde
Linkee no workee!
April 17th, 2007 at 7:44 pmBush can’t leave Iraq: It will mean he will have failed. When he compares his personal pride to the loss of thousands of lives , he keeps making the same decision.
April 17th, 2007 at 7:45 pmKilo;
I don’t see anywhere that it says he’s trying to be portrayed “as having had a non-insulated experience.” I could care less whether or not his experience insulated or not, and your comment is typical and even predicted by the posters above; don’t like the message? Attack the messenger.
Funny? Is it funny that over 3,000 Americans have died, all based on lies by this administration?
April 17th, 2007 at 7:49 pmSorry, my bad! If this one doesn’t work I am going to bed and you can Google glumberg and find it yourself.
Comment by Clyde the Ripper
Heh. ‘Night, Clyde. :D
April 17th, 2007 at 7:49 pmBut the most repeated talking point of all time to discredit any criticism to The Decider and his many failed initiatives is…..
But… but…. Clinton! Pelosi! Carter! FDR!!
April 17th, 2007 at 7:50 pmThe Center (Subscribe for it) Cartoon for the Day illustrated the complete asininity of DUHbya and his “timetable” arguments. He, himself, has set a timetable that is arbitrary, artificial, unrealistic, and, fortunately directed by that “God damned piece of paper” called the Constitution, no later than January 20, 2009. The withdrawal of the US forces from Iraq would produce no adverse affects except to the pocketbooks of the bushco and bushco contractors (Cheney/Daddy funnels for our money). Most of the opposition would do as they have done: “sold their guns and melted back into the population.” Without the US INVADERS, OCCUPIERS, and OIL THIEVES there there will be no one to shoot at.
April 17th, 2007 at 7:55 pm#24 (et al)
ZZZZZZZZZZZ!
April 17th, 2007 at 7:58 pmOdd… I wonder why TP has not posted any stories about Dennis Kucinich preparing to file articles of impeachment against Dick Cheney…
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/sleuth/2007/04/articles_of_impeachment_to_be.html
April 17th, 2007 at 8:00 pmKucinich has had to postpone that until next week.
April 17th, 2007 at 8:07 pmSure, it will likely fail, but I give him credit for doing what he can.
Yeah, I think if he waited until this e-mail scandal gets a little more developed, and the Amercians with their head in the sand finally take notice and exhibit some outrage, he might stand a better chance.
April 17th, 2007 at 8:14 pmGET. OUT. NOW.
April 17th, 2007 at 8:21 pmHey I agree with the man. But hey TP, he’s from the center for American Progress, no bias there.
April 17th, 2007 at 8:27 pmReally ? Perhaps if you read between the lines of the 2nd “here’s the real situation in Iraq” story. Or read the lines themselves. Basically, in order to see that you’re going to need to look in the general direction of the article.
Is that what happened here ?
Me pointing out that the guy needed 100 troops around him to get an insulated view of Iraq is “attacking the messenger” ?
Hang on, did I get that right ?
Yeah it’s fkn hilarious you wanker.
April 17th, 2007 at 8:28 pmPersonally, I don’t think it’s funny that over 3,000 Americans have died for no reason in Iraq. You’re really showing your true colors in your response, it’s too bad you aren’t one of them. Thinking it’s funny?! Wow – you waste good air. With people like you in the world, it’s no wonder that it’s such a messed up place.
April 17th, 2007 at 8:35 pmOur government really needs to partner with world leaders to devise an economic plan to make sure what happened in Afghanistan does not happen in Iraq.
Comment by elle c #5
NOBODY will touch Bushiva and L’il Dick’s war…
…because of their ignorance and arrogance…
…EVERYBODY (internationally) that we need…
…wants them to fail…
April 17th, 2007 at 9:00 pm“According to the Borgen Project, $340 billion has already been spent in Iraq …” For what? We have spent $340 billion dollars to make sure that they get electricity for 4 hours a day and have unsafe drinking water. We spent that money to totally destroy their educational system and medical system. The only thing that $340 billion did was to line the pockets of Bush’s robber baron friends. If we had given $340 billion to the government of Iraq to rebuild their country using their own people to do the work, we would have been out of there a long time ago. At least that would have happened if we were really there to help the Iraqi people. But, we are there for one reason only. We destroyed their oil infrastructure and bankrupted their country. Now our oil companies and the UK’s oil companies are offering them money to rebuild their oil infrastructure in return for 70% of their oil profits for 30 years. That is the reason we are there and the day the puppet Iraqi parliament passes the bill to complete this theft, Bush will be more than ready to take our ground troops out of Iraq, leaving enough military behind to protect our new oil assets.
April 17th, 2007 at 11:23 pmComment by Kate Henry — April 17, 2007 @ 11:23 pm
Hey Kate – your mom did not raise any dummies (Unless, of course, Jake is a sibling.).
April 18th, 2007 at 1:23 amKilo = Seixon
April 18th, 2007 at 2:48 amAnd personally I think you’re a wanker for saying so. Have you considered announcing this on other blogs ? Let others in on your positions on this issue ?
Or perhaps other things like “I prefer to shower using water” and other such personal insights that would shock people to the same degree ?
Showed my true colours with that bit of sarcasm have I. Yeah that’s generally how sarcasm works.
You read the word “funny” in a thread about Iraq and decided the most logical conclusion was that this meant someone thought that the Iraq bodycount was funny.
Here’s an idea, right after you demonstrate that you are completely worthless, tell others they are.
You’re not bright. Stop thinking you understand what is written and can write about it. You can’t.
April 18th, 2007 at 6:17 amhey Kilo-twat, if your so bright, why dont you dazzle us with your academic credentials.. because all i see is chimp stringing alot of words together trying to to sound intellectual and failing miserably… your prose flows with the grace of a conspitated camel.. so why don’t you start proving how brave you are in iraq if you can’t make a better attempt to dazzle us with your pseudo-intellectual babble..
April 18th, 2007 at 7:54 amI think it’s very interesting that the troops he spoke to only told the truth AFTER he said he was not with the press. They were up to that pointing just repeating the same old lines that they are forced to say whenever someone with a press badge hunkers next to them.
Sheesh. This is ridiculous.
April 18th, 2007 at 9:05 am“Hey Kate – your mom did not raise any dummies (Unless, of course, Jake is a sibling.).”
Heaven forbid that I could be related to Jake. Actually, my parents were both avid Republics and so are my two sisters. I am the black sheep of my family and proud of it.
April 18th, 2007 at 10:41 amAre contractors told not to talk to media? You bet! Plus the only contractors even allowed over there are all dyed in the wool “loyal Bushies” (note competence had nothing to do here. Read the brilliant but harrowing “Inside the Emerald City” for more on that. The war was lost a loooong time ago.
For 08 my choices are down to Edwards and Kucinich, but only Kucinich has a real plan to deal with Iraq after we leave. It is not the “we broke it, you fix it” line we hear so much from the congress, but admitting that we need to pay the Iraqi’s war reparations (to help them get back on their feet, who has acknowledged that it is the occupation that fuels the insurgency, not just “eval terrorists”.) There is no cutting and running, there is removing our troops to fight real terrorists where they are, and helping the Iraqi people start to put their lives back together so that they won’t have so little left that blowing themselves up just to get to us will seem the logical way to go.
If you really want peace in this country, if you really want change, check out http://kucinich.us/
April 18th, 2007 at 12:40 pmCurrently leader in the 2007 Unintentional Irony Awards….
April 19th, 2007 at 7:20 am