A-10 Engage Taliban Positions With 30mm In Afghanistan

A10 Takes Out Taliban In Afghanistan.

Is Bush winning the war on terrorism?

Whilst I have always doubted the wisdom of US military action in Iraq on the grounds that American forces could get bogged down in a prolonged war there are indications that in al-Anbar Province and some other areas, local Sunni sheikhs have switched their allegiance in recent months from Al-Qaeda to the Iraqi government and the coalition. This is a signal success for Bush.

The sheikhs originally viewed Al-Qaeda fighters as heroes. These fighters however attempted to impose strict punishments on the local Sunni population for smoking and drinking. They also began to forcibly marry Sheikhs daughters. The Sunni population has realised that life under Al Qaeda is hell.

Now some Sunni sheikhs are battering rams in the war against Al-Qaeda. Al Qaeda is being fought in the Middle East both in Iraq Afghanistan and Pakistan far away from US borders.

To a certain degree its energy is being sapped.

There has been no repeat of 9/11 on US soil. The US has beefed up intelligence gathering. There is intelligence sharing and cooperation between the United States European countries Australia et al. Also attacks have been averted.

Bush and the GOP can argue that they have successfully protected the security of the US. This is an important trump card in the 2008 Congressional and Presidential elections.

George Bush in surprise visit to Iraq

In a surprise move George Bush visited Iraq on Monday September 3rd, accompanied by his defence secretary, Robert Gates, his secretary of state, Condoleezza Rice, as well as the commander of America’s forces in Iraq, for a meeting with the country's prime minister, Nuri al-Maliki.

While General Petraeus will will state that some progress has been made on the military front the warring Shia and Sunni factions are as far apart as ever. There is little prospect of a unified Shia and Sunni government evolving. This is the kernel of the problem. The Shia majority having long suffered at the hands of the minority Sunnis is in no mood to be too conciliatory. The situation appears hopeless. Partition is inevitable.

This visit may boost George Bushes popularity in the polls temporarily but the reality is that he must develop a coherent strategy for withdrawal of US troops. No fixed date for final withdrawal should be set. This would play into the hands of terrorists. The process of withdrawal must have begun prior the 2008 elections. It must be gradual and noticeable. Otherwise the GOP will suffer severe losses in the Congressional Elections and lose the Presidency in 2008.

The British have shown the way in Basra. A planned withdrawal is the only realistic approach. It is time for Iraqis to assume responsibility for their own affairs.