The not-so-simple answers in Iraq

Me, the other day: “I don’t know what I can add to the billions of electrons spilled on this topic, but from what I’ve read about the ISG report the problem is that the Maliki government isn’t strong enough and the answer is to tell them: “Be strong!”

From Opinion Journal today, it’s “Captain Obvious to the Rescue”:

The problem in Iraq is that we can't withdraw U.S. troops because the Iraqi military is not adequately trained to maintain security on its own? Well then, the ISG tells us, all we need to do is to train the Iraqi military so that they can maintain security on their own, and then we can withdraw our troops.

The problem in Iraq is that the Iraqi government won't approve a crackdown to dismantle the Shiite militias? Well then, all we have to do is to convince the Iraqi government to approve a crackdown to dismantle the Shiite militias.

The problem in Iraq is that Iran and Syria are arming, funding, and encouraging Sunni and Shiite insurgents? Well then, all we have to do is to convince Syria and Iran to stop supporting these insurgents.

Fortunately, President Bush is getting additional advice from former military commanders: “The three retired generals and two academics disagreed in particular with the study group's plans to reduce the number of U.S. combat troops in Iraq and to reach out for help to Iran and Syria, according to sources familiar with the meeting, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the session was private.”