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Sun Dec 10 21:56:26 CET 2006

The Iraq Study Group Report

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Just read through the Iraq Study Group Report, aka 'The
Baker Report'. A surprisingly straight-forward and easy
read. The recommendations are all very well reasoned and
pragmatic. Reading it, I felt something inside of me which I
hadn't felt for years when thinking of the U.S.-- I felt like
able hands were coming back to lead the most powerful nation
of the world.

Strong words? Perhaps. But Internationalist Republicanism
really is a force to be reconed with. If I were asked my
political standing in the U.S spectrum, I would land somewhere
near the left of the Democrats in some respects, and with the
Libertanians in others, and with the Republicans in still
others. 

Still, the report is just a document of recommendations. I
have no idea what the Executive branch thinks of these 'tips',
and if they will be implemented by them. And thats assuming
that the Congress will act in accordance with the
document. And to add to the complications we have yet to see
some reaction from Iraq's neighbours. 

My prediction? They will at best pay lip service to the
Baker/Hamilton report in public, implement some parts
half-heartedly, and skip the rest. 

I have little or no trust in the Bush Administration. My
hopes lie with 

The Democratic Congress, who seem to have no plan on
Iraq. Democrats, unfortunately, have an image of not being
strong or knowledgeable when it comes to war. This document is
just what they need, since it addresses the Iraq issue not
only as a military one-- there are many other aspects in it,
among others humanitarianism, diplomacy and economics. Aspects
which they are known to be good or great at.
Turkey-- It is in Turkey's interest that Iraq stays united
and is stable. They also have the economy and military clout
to help out in the area. Turkey could also use it's membership
in NATO to inofficially influence other NATO nations to become
more positive to helping Iraq. Most notably Germany and
France, both nations with economic interests in the area. And
lets not forget that the NATO nations can pressure the Bush
Administration to follow the Baker/Hamilton report.
The United Nations, because it will be led from the first
of January by a new UNSG, Ban Ki-moon. Though he is known to
be very careful with committing himself to any side of any
debate, this will be a golden chance for him to show
leadership and strengthen the UN's ties with the USA- a
relationship which has been tense for the last six years.


But who knows what will happen. I saw some news two days
ago that claimed that Saudi Arabia has been helping Sunnite
insurgency groups in Iraq, much in the same way that Iran has
been supporting the Shiite groups. The situation in Iraq can
get much worse. And with it the entire region, and thus the
world economy.

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