PERSPECTIVE: Report from Iraq

By JAMES UMBARGER/Guest columnist

Here are some thoughts I have on the current Iraq situation.  Since the news can’t get it right or they actually refuse to report the truth, here is how I see it.
Recently, a BN CDR decided to take the 15 foot barriers that separated his Forward Operating Base from the surrounding community down. Then to prove the security situation was improving, he decided to drive to the local market in a regular pickup truck, not his usual armored truck. Stuff of this nature is not presented on CNN, Headline News or Fox. This was an article in Stars and Stripes. These are the successes that we, the American Soldiers along with our Iraqi counterparts, are enjoying. However, this does not make a good story so it goes unreported.
In order to win (if you want to say that), we do not need to win the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people. They are on our side. What we must do is empower them, let them secure their neighborhoods and decide if they want AQI or another terrorist controlling their lives. The majority say no, “We do not want this.” So by empowering the Iraqi people through groups like the Sons of Iraqi and concerned local citizens groups, we put the responsibility back on the Iraqi people. We force them to stand up for themselves and then we are able to gradually pull out. We all say this that with the Sunni Awakening a few months back, Fallaujah, one of the most deadly of all cities within Iraqi since the start of the war, is going to be turned over to Provincial Control this month. Who could have imagined this a year ago; however, this will probably go unreported.
Why has this taken so long? The people of Iraq have been oppressed by dictators for so long they have forgotten what self government is. They have forgotten what right looks and feels like. We cannot force the American style of government on them, nor our way of life on them. They, the Iraqis, must figure this out for themselves. Until they do, we need to be here.
The problems that the Iraqis are currently facing are the same problems that any new nation faces, including America in the late 1700s and that is they must prove the legitimacy of their own government. They cannot do this if the terrorists are the ones controlling the economy, electricity, water, etc. Once the people view the government as legitimate, then we will see more people standing up and fighting for themselves. Then the American forces can begin to pull back.
What do the Iraqi people want? They want the same things anyone in the world wants. They want access to basic needs, to be able to provide for their families, schools for their children, and to be able to live their lives in a normal nonviolent way. These are the things each of us wants. However, they have been oppressed for so long I feel they have forgotten these things are worth fighting for.
What do the Iraqi people not understand? Individuality, this was taken away from them long before the rule of Saddam. Initiative this involves risk. Risk is not something any Iraqi was willing to take under the rule Saddam. A risk under that rule was paid with your life. Now with the Sunni Awakening, we see some are willing to take the risk and it cost them nothing. They have won their neighborhoods and lives back. Also, they do not understand a sense of national patriotism. They do not refer to themselves as Iraqis. They refer to themselves as to whatever tribe they belong to. This is not a bad thing, but a feeling of national patriotism is extremely important if they are going to defeat the insurgency.
The Iraqis will have the final say as to what Iraq looks like in 10, 20 or even 50 years from now, not the Americans. What will decide their future can be summed up in one word - commitment. The Iraqi commitment to pushing the terrorists out and having a legitimate government is the key and is still to be determined.
This conflict is not another Vietnam, Kenya or any other insurgency. We have the people on our side and they are willing to fight for themselves. The tide of battle has turned within the last year and great strides are being made. However, there is still a long road ahead.
What do the American Soldiers need? We need the support of the American People. We need to know that our sacrifices are not in vain.
As of Oct. 15, 2005, the passing of the Provincial Constitution, Iraqis now have a choice. It is up to them what path they take.
I hope this did not bore anyone. It is just a few thoughts I have had since being back over here. I hope this finds everyone well.
James Umbarger is a captain in the U.S. Army