In Iraq, Unanswered Prayers

When I first visited the Imam Hussein shrine in 1991, just months after Operation Desert Storm, my Palestinian translator wept. Saddam Hussein had succeeded in putting down a Shiite rebellion, maneuvering his Republican Guards and his omnipresent security apparatus throughout southern Iraq, occupying the holiest shrines in Karbala and Najaf.

The cityscape around the ancient shrines, still used for pilgrimages and prayer, were pockmarked with gunfire, and whole blocks around the mosques were leveled. And there, at the entrance of the golden-domed shrine of Imam Hussein, was a picture of Saddam Hussein: new ruler of the Shiites.

"Iraqis will be fighting for decades because of this affront," my translator said.

One of those shrines was hit by a suicide bomber yesterday, killing 43 and injuring 73. The bombing is the deadliest in the southern center since the surge began, and it upstages a visit by Vice President Dick Cheney, who is in Iraq to praise the "phenomenal" security improvements.

Such comments are merely politics. The Bush administration and other war supporters can not see that Iraqis will be fighting for decades, that we cannot make whole the forces of civil war that have been unleashed by our five-year-old invasion. Or maybe they can see it.

"It would be a mistake now to be so eager to draw down the force that we risk putting the outcome in jeopardy," Cheney said in Iraq yesterday.

While I support the administration's stubborn impulse to leave some measure of stability for the next president, I find Cheney's constructions educational both for what he says and doesn't say. "We've come a long way in five years, and it's been well worth the effort," Cheney said, labeling the war a "successful endeavor." At a news conference with U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker and Gen. David Petraeus, Cheney said that it was important that "we not quit before the job is done" in Iraq.

This is hardly a trumpets-blaring endorsement, and this is no five-year mission-accomplished tour for Cheney. There is no celebration of the American invasion or even the surge. Cheney is merely arguing, as do others in the administration and the war supporters, that the American military should be allowed to hold the line.

Neither Cheney nor Sen. John McCain, who was also in Baghdad yesterday, can see the stage we are in Iraq, nor the Karbala attack, for what it is. McCain pronounces "al Qaeda" on the run in Iraq, and Cheney continues his demented cycle talking about the Saddam-al Qaeda connection.

But Karbala is not about "al Qaeda," nor is it about the visit of the two, or the U.S. war, or even the "success" of the surge. It is just another attack in a struggle that has been going on for decades, if not centuries, which the U.S. can do little to stem.

Five years after the U.S. invasion, Iraq is a mess. But Iraq was a mess before, an ungovernable mix of Sunni, Shiite and Kurd held together by a brutal strong man. Though Saddam is gone, no one's prayers have been answered. Through Cheney's robotic and muted words, it is clear that he also believes that there's little to celebrate.

By William M. Arkin |  March 18, 2008; 9:40 AM ET Election 2008 , Iraq
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Posted by: sweet-jh | March 22, 2008 5:27 AM

Rev, it's not whether anyone will beleive what I said, it's what everyone who was someone was saying all the way up to Shock and Awe! Every official, every talking head on tv. We had been through 911,nasty shoes, anthrax, then 'Portable Labs of Mass Destruction' after we couldn't find uranium or plutonium! I could go on forever like the war but I will say this, if we don't start postulating now we well all be prostrating later! Later!

Posted by: | March 21, 2008 1:55 AM

Truth, we went into Iraq for the sole purpose to rid Iraq of Weapons of Mass Destruction! Truth, we stayed to prevent the region from falling into civil war.

Anonymous:

You are basing your conclusion on two flawed assumptions! You will be hard-pressed to find anyone to believe that your initial postulates are 'truth'!

Posted by: The Rev | March 20, 2008 9:23 PM

Truth, we went into Iraq for the sole purpose to rid Iraq of Weapons of Mass Destruction! Truth, we stayed to prevent the region from falling into civil war. I would like to know why everyone thinks we are in a war. Terrorism is not an enemy therefore it can not be defeated. Democracy will fail when force is applied. Christianity is not Democracy. Only when you discover the question will you find the answer. This is just one post full of hot air and the blog serves to cloud simple minds. History will reveal in due times the truth. United States-a country which has lost it's identity with the backbone of it's country, the average citizen! It is time for us to reel in our government leaders. It is time for the state voices elected to represent the people to voice the unpopular messages that the very people that elected our government and send our men and women into hostile territory will not tolerate them to be used as a world police force. The truth!

Posted by: | March 20, 2008 12:08 PM

frightening to think that but isnt it true you said that in your own words... thank u for hearing me .... concerned for usa

bettygutherie@yahoo.com

In my opinion, and if truth be known, the average misogynist male prefers females to remain on the outside, and to leave politics up to the boys. Look how long it took for women to gain sufferage in this nation?

You are a part of the majority gender in this nation - we are the minority gender. It is time for the female voice (as well as the feminine principle) to be reactivated and play a more prominent role in shaping American policy.

The 'good ole boys', my group, in my opinion have been leading the nation down the wrong path. This is not my blog, however, I'm sure that Mr. Arkin would not mind if you were to encourage more females to read and respond to his worthy blog!

Old saying: A man surrounded by 'yes men', will never accept no for an answer!


Posted by: The Rev | March 19, 2008 3:55 PM

If you're in a war, instead of throwing a hand grenade at some guys, throw one of those little baby-type pumpkins. Maybe it'll make everyone think of how crazy war is, and while they're thinking, you can throw a real grenade at them.

Posted by: Jack Handy | March 19, 2008 2:08 PM

I have been one of those quilty people of sitting back and ignoring all these world situations from government to actual politics. I fear for our country from the point of down fall to our own homeland security. The war in Iraq is it just or unjust I cant say because of lack of knowledge of whole picture from front to ending. All i know to say is that i agree with part of the commenataries,some i dont as in everyones veiw points we all dont think alike thank God. But America better wake up and smell the coffee because while all this war and fighting is going on we are digging our own graves.... It is frightening to think that but isnt it true you said that in your own words... thank u for hearing me .... concerned for usa

Posted by: bettygutherie@yahoo.com | March 19, 2008 10:27 AM

I have been one of those quilty people of sitting back and ignoring all these world situations from government to actual politics. I fear for our country from the point of down fall to our own homeland security. The war in Iraq is it just or unjust I cant say because of lack of knowledge of whole picture from front to ending. All i know to say is that i agree with part of the commenataries,some i dont as in everyones veiw points we all dont think alike thank God. But America better wake up and smell the coffee because while all this war and fighting is going on we are digging our own graves.... It is frightening to think that but isnt it true you said that in your own words... thank u for hearing me .... concerned for usa

Posted by: bettygutherie@yahoo.com | March 19, 2008 10:26 AM

I have been one of those quilty people of sitting back and ignoring all these world situations from government to actual politics. I fear for our country from the point of down fall to our own homeland security. The war in Iraq is it just or unjust I cant say because of lack of knowledge of whole picture from front to ending. All i know to say is that i agree with part of the commenataries,some i dont as in everyones veiw points we all dont think alike thank God. But America better wake up and smell the coffee because while all this war and fighting is going on we are digging our own graves.... It is frightening to think that but isnt it true you said that in your own words... thank u for hearing me .... concerned for usa

Posted by: bettygutherie@yahoo.com | March 19, 2008 10:26 AM

Intifada, Jihad & Washington DC Voters

Bush, Cain and company (since the Bush invasion), have played down the significance of the Holy War that was launched by Christian America against Islamic Iraq.

The unwarranted and illegal attack on Iraq was more than an attack on Iraq's civil institutions. The attack on Iraq and the continuing occupation of Iraq, has been interpreted by Muslims and Arabs alike as an attack on Islam.

Had any of the geniuses from Washington taken this matter seriously from the onset, America would have approached the matter differently. Is it any wonder now that America appears to be stuck in Iraq?

America has to stay in order to avoid the impending intifada, jihad and civil war that would ensue, once America raised its foot off of the necks of the Iraqi people!

McCain's appearance at the White House a few weeks ago, and his showing up in Iraq, makes you wonder when he has time to take care of his current duties as a United States Senator? Six-hundred thousand citizens in the nation's capital could use some help Cain!

Interestingly, McCain found the time to vote against a bill that would have given the citizens of the District of Columbia a long-awaited Congressional Representative (one that could vote in and outside of Committee).

Based on Cain's recent behaviors and his voting record, it does not appear that he would be the kind of President that would represent or to see to the interests of the American people, if he were elected President. Just like Bush, his focus is on another world and an American cultural elite!

GB is doing all that he can to help his nemesis appear to look presidential!

However, isn't it interesting that the two of them who claim to believe in the right of Iraqi citizens to have the vote, are both AGAINST the right of citizens in the United States District of Columbia to have the right of a voting Congressional Representative in Congress.

If McCain, or more appropriately Cain (who is not his brother's keeper) had not scuttled the passing of the DC Vote bill, Bush had already promised to veto it!

It begs the question, why are these guys working harder for the so-called rights of individuals overseas, when they ignore 600,000 Americans who live right up under their noses in Washington DC?

And why would anyone want a man like Cain, who held out against an MLK day holiday, to be President? Like Bush, his priorities are screwed up, he will insist on the rights of individuals overseas, however, like Bush he doesn't care one iota about the rights of citizens in America!

Get back to work Cain! Our prayers in America, are apparently not being answered either!

Posted by: The Rev | March 19, 2008 7:39 AM

Intifadam Jihad & Washington DC Voters

Bush, Cain and company (since the Bush invasion), have played down the significance of the Holy War that was launched by Christian America against Islamic Iraq.

The unwarranted and illegal attack on Iraq was more than an attack on Iraq's civil institutions. The attack on Iraq and the continuing occupation of Iraq, has been interpreted by Muslims and Arabs alike as an attack on Islam.

Had any of the geniuses from Washington taken this matter seriously from the onsent, America would have approached the matter differently. Is it any wonder now that America appears to be stuck in Iraq?

America has to stay in order to avoid the impending intifada, jihad and civil war that would ensue, once America raised its foot off of the necks of the Iraqi people!

McCain's appearance at the White House a few weeks ago, and his showing up in Iraq, makes you wonder when he has time to take care of his current duties as a United States Senator? Six-hundred thousand citizens in the nation's capital could use some help Cain!

Interestingly, McCain found the time to vote against a bill that would have given the citizens of the District of Columbia a long-awaited Congressional Representative (one that could vote in and outside of Committee).

Based on Cain's recent behaviors and his voting record, it does not apear that he would be the kind of President that would represent or to see to the interets of the American people, if he were elected President. Just like Bush, his focus is on another world and an American cultural elite!

GB is doing all that he can to help his nemesis appear to look presidential!

However, isn't it interesting that the two of them who claim to believe in the right of Iraqi citizens to have the vote, are both AGAINST the right of citizens in the United States District of Columbia to have the right of a voting Congressional Representative in Congress.

If McCain, or more appropriately Cain (who is not his brother's keeper) had not scuttled the passing of the DC Vote bill, Bush had already promised to veto it!

It begs the question, why are these guys working harder for the so-called rights of individuals overseas, when they ignore 600,000 Americans who live right up under there noses in Washington DC?

And why would anyone want a man like Cain, who held out against an MLK day holiday, to be President? Like Bush, his priorities are screwed up, he will insist on the rights of individuals overseas, however, like Bush he doesn't care one iota about the rights of citizens in America!

Get back to work Cain!

Posted by: The Rev | March 19, 2008 7:26 AM

Arkin - will you comment on McCain's repeated (3 'mis-statements in 2 days) confusion about Iran training "Al Qaeda" insurgents?

The man's own son served in western Iraq. He must know that AQ loathes Shiite Muslims (Iran is a Shiite theocracy) and has vowed to exterminate them.

Is McCain senile?

Posted by: al75 | March 18, 2008 8:31 PM

after the next world war most of the world's problems will be solved, simply because there will not be many people left on earth. the dooms day clock is a fairly accurate keeper of time.

Posted by: xxxx | March 18, 2008 4:21 PM

And another thing.

How can you criticize and condemn Iraqi casualties in one breath and advocate a strategy that will lead to casualties on a truly massive scale through a pullout?

Posted by: mike | March 18, 2008 4:05 PM

If it wasn't the US, it would've been Saddam's oldest son who would've started the war against his father to rip apart Iraq, or Saddam going after Iran over their nuclear program and Iran countering by arming the Iraqi Shia, and so on and so forth.

Until that part of the world stops "occupying" their own mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters, they too will continue to be occupied and lost in the wilderness, if not at the hands of the US, then the French, Russians, Chinese, or even the Canadians, and so forth.

At some point you dissenters supposedly "helping" those people in the war zones need to give up on this relentless "oil for blood" mantra and realize that the other side is fighting a war against women and has been for centuries.

Through your eyes, World War II was fought simply to get American hands on German plastic, jet, and rocket technology.

I see it as the liberation of Western Europe, Concentration Camps, and the temporary liberation of fellow people of Eastern European decent.

You exacerbate injury without providing a sound alternative and thus only serve the propaganda of the other side.

Posted by: mike | March 18, 2008 4:01 PM

The Bush administration and other war supporters can not see...,

I suspect that your conclusion is wrong, that "the Bush Administration and others cannot see". They can see, they simply do not care - they never did. I wonder if Cheney has ever prayed for anything before, besides wanting to kill other people?

The leadership of the United States' motivation to invade Iraq in the first place, never had anything to do with the interests of the Iraqi people. History proves that.

If Saddam had not crossed the USA, he would still be in charge in Iraq even until this day!

We are there, and will remain or leave there when America's interests have been satisfied. We were never there for any altruistic reasons!

And if what has been reported in the press is true, after Bush prayed about going into Iraq, the words that came out of his mouth shortly after were, "Iraq is f-cked". And he made certain that it was! I wonder who he prayed to, the god of the nether world?

Nine more months!!

Posted by: The Rev | March 18, 2008 3:46 PM

//Five years after the U.S. invasion, Iraq is a mess. But Iraq was a mess before, an ungovernable mix of Sunni, Shiite and Kurd held together by a brutal strong man. Though Saddam is gone, no one's prayers have been answered. Through Cheney's robotic and muted words, it is clear that he also believes that there's little to celebrate.\\ -Arkin

Today's special recipe from Arkin? Why, it's 'Disgruntled Soup Au Jour'. It's been the steady diet of Karbalans for many years. Not my favorite...

When Hussein was the Chef, he just crushed them all and didn't bear with their people - it was just his way or the cemetary. He would just hose Karbalan's down with automatic weapons or send them to the hoosgow for torture, or even bury some alive. Either way, it is a matter of record that they were abused.

Now, they don't have to deal with him, and they just don't know how to break out of their own shells - an undeniable feature of the human condition. The cause is linked to anxiety and fear. Many just go back to what they do best, stirring up unrest and strife. That they know. They might feel more at ease if someone would unload a couple of clips of AK-47 ammo into the air. Then, it becomes a party; because it is an act of familliarity.

Freedom is a principle that isn't as easy to understand as one might think. Some are more ready for it than others; while others - due to years of abuse - may not be able to grasp it while it is within their reach. Some Americans should pray for these people, that the LORD should open a door in Karbala - and other places in Iraq like it.

There is a tenuous peace in Iraq due to the efforts of US forces and Gen Petraeus' approach to rebuilding/restoring communities - in order to bring about normalcy and community. The US and Gen Petraeus has claimed it is getting better because there has been far less incidents of terrorism and insurgency.

If this is because of the Mahdi Army and Al Sadr, then it can just as easily fly apart tomorrow if Iran gives the word to their subordinate Al Sadr. But it clearly points out that much of the insurgency and fighting is a direct result of the Iranian influence and insurgency in Iraq. Cause and effect...

No one should say that Iraqis are the problem when it is has already been clearly demonstrated that Iran and Al Sadr are the ones that allow this peace to work. Not at this point of history.
Take your blinders off - now...

Posted by: Plainfacto | March 18, 2008 3:17 PM

correction..., I empathize with the former group for they mean well. The latter ought to be gathered up and placed in internment camps along with their wayward government officials!

The latter can be released from internment after peace has been restored!

Posted by: The Rev | March

Posted by: | March 18, 2008 11:41 AM

Two kind of American patriots:

One genuinely believes that his or her government is doing the right thing (no matter what course they take), and therefore he or she gives blind support to the government.

There is the other kind of patriot for whom it does not matter whether his or her government is doing the right thing or not (they could care less). They will still support their government even when they know that their government is engaging in malfeasant misbehaviors.

The latter group of patriots have concluded that their government is simply doing what everyone else is doing, therefore whatever their government is doing is just fine with them!

I empathize with the former group for they mean ought to be gathered up and placed in internment camps along with their wayward government officials!

The latter can be released from internment after peace has been restored!

Posted by: The Rev | March 18, 2008 11:38 AM

Muslims Often Pray To Allah to protect their country and families from Christian America - they also often pray that the Americans will go home?

Dick Cheney should not be permitted on Holy Ground. Interestingly, the pastor of the Riverside Church in New York tried to engage Dick. And fat Dick Cheney walked away from the pastor as if he were scum!

I am rather fond of those old commanders and native American chiefs who would not only send other men to fight, they would join in the fight themselves.

I would support the war in Iraq under one condition, if the imbeciles in Washington DC, George Bush, Dick Cheney Brainy and others (like John McCain) who advocate fighting an unjust war would go and fight themselves.

Posted by: The Rev | March 18, 2008 11:27 AM

Arkin, why didn't you get a different translator? I beleive if you did your views would change. But that would invlolve a political thought process. Your making masked political statements mixed with a decent article that leaves the story deflated or lacking. Good article but you started it off with a negative. I'm weeping!

Posted by: | March 18, 2008 11:22 AM

For entirely false justifications, America shattered Iraq. The disintegration and fragmentation continue apace, as evidenced by ethnic cleansing in sum around several millions into segregated communities separated by blast walls, local militias, and blood hatreds. From 650,000 to a million directly consequent deaths. At least two million who are refugees in Syria and Jordan. I could go on, but what is the point?

The point is that resolution of this fiasco is not within our understanding or effective power. The point is that if we continue two wasting wars indefinitely, under whatever justification, we will cause our own collapse due to the financial drain from the wars, these on top of an economy entering a severe recession. Whatever the fallout from a withdrawl from Iraq, and yes it will be severe, it will not be as bad for America as continuing the march of folly until we reach a doom point. That is the point.

Posted by: tarquinis | March 18, 2008 11:16 AM

Please investigate whether the US is building four huge bases in Iraq, as part of that touted Status of Forces and November Declaration of Principles, as many observers tell us, or whether this is not so, as the secretary of Defense and many others in the administration assert.

Posted by: Jaime Ojeda | March 18, 2008 11:04 AM

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