ISIS on the offensive in Iraq

[Seamus Fermanagh]

Question to anyone still believing Iraq is a just "war": Explain how the war could be won, or how you have had steps towards an actuall win?

Invasion and conquest more or less as conducted.

Presume 1-2% of Iraqi population will go active insurgent.

a. Commit troops sufficient to generate a 7.5-1 ratio of garrison forces to insurgents so as to suppress the insurgency.
1. Efforts must be made to minimize collateral damage among civilians, but human shields cannot be allowed to deter counterstrikes.
2. Insurgents captured should be screened and categorized: low levels/redeemables to be put in reeducation camps, interrogated using interviews of a benign nature; leaders/hardliners & foreign volunteers shot.

b. Commit Army Corps of Engineers, Medical services, etc. to start hearts and minds efforts.

c. Rebuild and enhance the infrastructure of the area

d. Train all youth in schools to begin changing framework of thinking.


Steps a-d must continue for 10-40 years, with a draw-down of troops as insurgency withers.



The USA does not have enough of a dark side to do those steps very well.