Strategic Implications of the Iraq Insurgency
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Authors
Russell, James A.
Subjects
Advisors
Date of Issue
2004-06
Date
Publisher
Language
en_US
Abstract
Type
Article
Description
The stakes for the United States in the Iraq insurgency have grown since the end of major
combat operations was declared more than a year ago, and it becomes steadily more difficult
to maintain that it is fighting a few disaffected criminals, former regime loyalists and
terrorists. While each of these groups may be included in the various insurgent groups, the
United States is now dealing with an insurgency that appears entrenched and increasingly
well organized amidst what is an at best ambivalent population that likes the fact that Saddam
is gone but also now increasingly views the United States as an occupying force and wants it
gone. The United States now faces a daunting task in trying to regain the strategic initiative--
indeed it may be impossible at this point. But as a critical first step, planners must come to a
realistic appraisal of the nature of the security environment inside Iraq at the tactical,
operational and strategic levels. After this appraisal, policy and military options can be
realistically evaluated and measured in the context of available resources.
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Middle East Review of International Affairs / V.8, No.2 (June 2004)
Distribution Statement
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.