Don't Blame the Iraq War Cheerleaders; It Was All Rummy's Fault Posted by Michael Cohen

So apparently everyone thinks that Don Rumsfeld was a horrible Defense Secretary and his new memoir is a self-serving blight on all humanity.  Seems about right to me; and this view is so widely held that even Max Boot agrees. His review of Rumsfeld's book is lacerating. In particular Boot savages Rumsfeld's lack of introspection and his abundant tactical mistakes in waging the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I am of course sympathetic to these arguments, but coming from Max Boot they are risible. 

Indeed even eight years after the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan Boot can find no fault with the strategic decisions to go to war in first place. In Boot's narrative the mistakes we've made are purely operational and had we utilized different tactics (like the ones that Max Boot supported) things would have gone swimmingly. Aside from being largely unprovable (one can never know if a different tactical approach might have worked) it also ensures that no one can blame Boot and other Iraq war supporters for anything that went wrong in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Case in point, Boot's criticism of Rumsfeld's handling of the post-war situation in Afghanistan:

He stayed on a disastrous course in Iraq, which was not reversed until he was removed from office in 2007, along with two senior generals whom he had appointed. Less understood, even now, is that Rumsfeld inflicted a similar disaster on Afghanistan. By refusing to increase troop levels after 2001, he allowed the Taliban to get back on their feet and to mount a major offensive, beginning in 2006, that is only now starting to be checked by another troop surge that he undoubtedly would have opposed were he still in office.

This is indeed rich. Of course, as we all know a large part of the reason the US didn't increase troop levels in Afghanistan (and in some cases took troops out of the country) is because the United States decided to invade Iraq in March 2003 - a decision strongly supported by one Max Boot. Might that have had something to do with the revitalization of the Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan and the lack of focus on the war effort there? Apparently not.

In fact, in Boot's view, Rumsfeld's refusal to use US troops for nation building in Afghanistan and Iraq is one of his most cardinal sins:

Rumsfeld explains that he opposed Bush’s freedom agenda: “I did not think resolving other countries’ internal political disputes, paving roads, erecting power lines, policing streets, building stock markets, and organizing democratic governmental bodies were missions for our men and women in uniform.” Accordingly, even though the commander-in-chief had made the establishment of democracy one of the objectives of Operation Iraqi Freedom (“the transformation from dictatorship to democracy will take time,” Bush said on May 1, 2003, “but it is worth every effort”), Rumsfeld chose to pursue a narrower agenda and did not send enough troops to implement a sweeping political transformation. 

But of course this is not true. Establishment of democracy was not one of the key publicly stated objectives of OIF and it's rather telling that the quote Boot uses to make this misleading argument . . . came a month after the war had ended. In fact, Rumsfeld's desire to avoid doing nation building in Iraq (another job he failed miserably at) is one of the few good things you can say about the man.

Not surprisingly this is one of Boot's most prominent criticisms (not unexpected from a man who has publicly extolled the virtues of imperial policing). According to Boot the failure to put enough troops in Afghanistan meant that the US couldn't do nation building there (and there is little doubt that in Boot's view had we done so it would have been successful).

Boot's extraordinarily upbeat view about the US military's capabilities to remake societies is not restricted to just Afghanistan. It's true of Iraq as well and in particular the first few years of the post-war occupation:

We concentrated our troops on giant Forward Operating Bases where they were cut off from the Iraqi population and hence presumably less of an irritant. Far from decreasing violence, however, this led to ever-increasing bloodshed, as Sunni and Shiite extremists used the resulting vacuum of authority to bring Iraq to the brink of all-out civil war.

This is a rather familiar argument from Boot; the inclination to give agency for all political and security developments in Iraq - to non-Iraqis. It wasn't that Sunni-Shiite rivalry was long-standing in Iraqi society or even that the potential for civil war or certainly ethnic violence had been predicted by Iraq observers. No, the fault lies almost exclusively with US military commanders . . . and Donald Rumsfeld. Had we deployed more troops, and in a more population-centric manner, things would have been quite different in Iraq:

The experience of the surge in 2007-2008 showed that American forces were not helpless to resist this rising tide of blood; all that was required was to beef up troop strength and order the troops to protect Iraqi civilians where they lived

"All that was required!" This has to be the most creative reading of what happened in Iraq to quell the fearsome bloodletting of 2005-2006. Again in this narrative, the Iraqi people themselves had virtually no agency; the future of Iraq was predicated almost exclusively on the actions of the United States and especially its armed forces. This argument reaches its apogee with Boot's take on the Sunni Awakening:

Obviously we can never know if “the surge”—meaning an expansion of troop numbers and the adoption of a population-centric counterinsurgency strategy—might have worked earlier, but the odds are that it would have done so.

Certainly there had been earlier expressions of dissatisfaction in the Sunni community with Al Qaeda in Iraq, but they had been ruthlessly snuffed out by AQI because we did so little to protect the population. Contrary to Rumsfeld’s sly insinuation that Petraeus only came to favor a counterinsurgency strategy in 2007, Petraeus had been in favor of such an approach all along. And such a strategy had paid spectacular dividends in 2005-2006 in the northern city of Tal Afar, which Colonel H.R. McMaster’s Third Armored Cavalry Regiment had pacified before the beginning of the Anbar Awakening.

It's really an amazing argument; everything that went wrong in Iraq was operational (somewhere Krepenevich and Sorley are smiling). Again fault lies not with the decision to go to war in Iraq; but how US troops were utilized.

Relying on threadbare pieces of evidence (all of which have little to do with internal Iraqi politics and almost everything to do with US decision-making) Boot makes an argument about the surge that I've never heard a single observer of Iraq defend. Indeed, what spurred the decrease in civilian casualties in 2007-2008 were not efforts to protect the population - instead the surge's success coincided with enhanced US efforts to kill insurgents, the ethnic enclaving of Sunni and Shiite communities in Baghdad, the overreach of AQI by 2006 and perhaps above all the Sadr ceasefire. In short the decline in ethnic killing and the improvement in security was not a result of the surge; it coincided with the surge. Strikingly none of these "other" factors are even mentioned by Boot. 

And the reason is not hard to figure out; an argument of tactical and operational failure is predicated on the notion that invading Iraq wasn't a strategic error, but instead was a mistake solely in execution.  That Afghanistan went to hell is not because we diverted attention from that war or because nation building is hard - it's because we didn't send enough troops. Iraq was a disaster not because the US overstated its own capabilities and by toppling Saddam opened the genie's bottle of long-suppressed national and ethnic rivalry in that country. No, it was because Don Rumsfeld resisted nation-building in Iraq and US military commanders adopted the wrong operational approach. It's quite a thesis; it's also deeply misleading and simply wrong.

At one point in this odious and blame-shifting article Boot offers what is perhaps his most devastating attack on Rumsfeld, "Rather than looking in the mirror to figure out what went wrong, Rumsfeld prefers to point the finger of blame in other directions."

Et tu, Max. Et Tu.

Comments

[Merchant Cash Advance]

It's hard to pin point who's responsible to the actual military operation in Iraq.

[Six Nations Rugby Shirts]

We always look for someone or something to blame when things get worst. We have to take responsiblity for our actions.

[ed hard]

non-profit businesses and research institutes. Hardy in addition to his inspired works have featured in the film in addition to print storage devices.

[cheap lace front wigs]

Thanks for sharing it with us.Informative!

[冷夜]

hirts | March 17, 2011 at 08:09 PM

non-profit businesses and research

[nettekeyif]

Hi admin very nice and very successful In Turkey there is a portal site as a brother I would thank you too watch with admiration

[human hair lace front wigs]

Thanks for your article.I have learned a lot form you.Thanks very much.

[冷夜]

ses and research institutes. Hardy in addition to his inspired works have featured in the film in addition to print storage devices.

[wholesale lingerie]

Hi admin very nice and very successful In Turkey there is a portal site as a brother I would thank you too watch with admiration

[wholesale lingerie]

Hi admin very nice and very successful In Turkey there is a portal site as a brother I would thank you too watch with admiration

[watcheshops]

　I love it,Excellent article.I am decide to put this into use one of these days.Thank you for sharing this.To Your Success!

　

[obbwatch]

　　I was actually looking for this resource a few weeks back. Thanks for sharing with us your wisdom.This will absolutely going to help me in my projects .

[goodwatches]

it is good
watch5
whowatch
watchse
uwatch
Uwatch
iwatch
needwatch
watcheslife
livewatch

[Beautiful Jimmy Choo Shoes]

Thank you for the great post! I wouldn’t have gotten this by myself!

[Thomas Sabo Australia]

Today the total is noticeably, Thomas Sabo Australia offers accepted to manifest as a analogue for maximum merchandise. Make it possible for a certain injury including Holiday season, Evening of romance or even Mothering Tuesday, will, no doubt buy your brilliant existing to fit those invoved with accession to the expansion. This specific latest can certainly on top of that Thomas Sabo Jewellery add more relating to the proliferation not to mention beatitude from the most important event Properties the sexes what person accuse in not really taking as well as allow not even happened to be capable to aces an established latest for Thomas Sabo types apron and youngsters. Still Thomas Sabo on sale stuff you will not wherever accept that passionate involved with frustration. Your found conform put in conquer not acknowledge to be anxious choice . almsman will cherish the software or otherwise not.

Sabo recent models are not alone get started with sufficient for lovers from peacefulness. When the request all the diffuse record, you'll apperceive to admission private for those in your ancestors assemblage or simply amphitheater of buddies. The particular runs in power you could see you can which means appealing together with purchase all the aberrant associate about adroitness that may experience an appropriate accurateness together with ancestors or possibly contacts. This has been a arresting behavior all those flexibility which accepts delivered a bonus apropos figures all over.

[Beads]

It is an open question whether any behavior based on fear of eternal punishment can be regarded as ethical or should be regarded as merely cowardly.European Beads
agate beads

[Designer Shoes UK]

I agree, ty for sharing this..

[Cosplay Wigs]

Oh God you are a genius person and a good photographer i like your pics thanks.

[Christian Louboutin D'orsay]

I really liked your article and I shared with my friends in my facebook account ..

[Gucci sale]

Wow, ah well ! Thanks for sharing such good information.I long exposure.

[knockoff handbags]

i agree your opinion, i love your article.

[knockoff handbags]

i agree your opinion, i love your article.

[The best knockoff handbags]

Your article I like it very much

[canada goose expedition jacket]

Thanks , I have just been looking for information about this topic for ages and yours is the best I’ve discovered till now.

[ravens jerseys]

These all things are very informative and knowledgeable and i can get so many ideas form it.I like your sharing too much.You have done such a nice job.

[anada goose]

Mizuno Corporation is a Japanese sports equipment manufacturer, which was established in 1906. Nowadays, Mizuno
develops so fast that it gets large numbers of loyal consumers, especially those sports lovers. For example, the players who love tennis, football, baseball, skiing, hiking and cycling can get satisfaction from Mizuno products. The company also has expanded its operation centres opening new factories in Germany, France, China PR, Scotland and Hong Kong. What's more, Mizuno products are selling very well in the overseas market. If necessary, please seek for much more related information. (xu)

[Beats By Dr. Dre]

Response to Beats By Dr.Dre Beatbox Review

[replica handbags]

Really is good writing, thank you for sharing.

[Wei Wei]

Thank you for this article. That's all I can say. You organize the article very well and your writing ability is really wonderful. I hope one day I could write such good articles. I hope my English will be better and better.

[men gucci shoes]

You’ll make it through whatever comes along

[wholesale knockoff handbags]

great! I like it

[replica panerai]

Thank your for sharing your wonderful article. I very agree with your views from here.

[replica handbags]

thanks for your sharing article, i like that.

[ed]

I very agree with your views from here

[Ray Ban sunglasses]

Comfortably, the article is really the sweetest on this precious topic.

[decking board]

Thank you for this article. That's all I can say. You most definitely have made this blog into something special.

[jordan high heels]

Action is the foundational key to all success.

[beats dre studio]

Looks great feeling.

[dr dre solo]

Great article.

[Free Beats]

I really like the fresh perpective you did on the issue. Really was not expecting that when I started off studying. Your concepts were easy to understand that

[Latin dresses Toronto]

I certainly enjoyed the way you explore your experience and knowledge of the subject! Keep up on it. Thanks for sharing the info

[yritysrekisteri]

Happy to see your blog as it is just what I’ve looking for and excited to read all the posts. I am looking forward to another great article from you.

[glo minerals makeup]

I am very enjoyed for this side. Its a nice topic. It help me very much to solve some problems. Its opportunity are so fantastic and working style so speedy. I think it may be help all of you. Thanks,

[laser hair growth]

Many thanks for making the sincere effort to explain this. I feel fairly strong about it and would like to read more. If it's OK, as you find out more in depth knowledge, would you mind writing more posts similar to this one with more information?

[pure fiji body butter]

Just want to say your article is stunning. The lucidity in your post is simply striking and i can assume you are an expert on this subject.

[chaussures femmes]

We have gotten many great comments from our customers and earn a good reputation in foreign makerts, more than 90% customers are satisfied with our products and service, till now our online members are beyond 80,000. As of right now, we Replica Handbags currently serve customers from over 18 countries, and we are still growing. We really hope to expand our business through cooperation with individuals and companies from around the world.

[easy profitbot review]

This website offers fantastic information and facts that really help folks and I wish I may try to convey the message of this blog.

[sunnen usate]

appy to see your blog as it is just what I’ve looking for and excited to read all the posts. I am looking forward to another great article from you.

[childrens clothing]

ey buddy,this is one of the best posts that I’ve ever seen; you may include some more ideas in the same theme. I’m still waiting for some interesting thoughts from your side in your next post

[a math]

If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more information? It is extremely helpful for me.

[a math]

`OMG! I have to say, your blog needs to be one of the best written blogs that I have learn in a protracted time.What I wouldn't give as a way to put up posts which might be as interesting| as yours.

[skincare reviews]

Couldn?t be written any better. Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!

[natural skin care]

Intriguing post. I have been searching for some good resources for solar panels and discovered your blog. Planning to bookmark this one!

[makeup tips videos]

That's all I can say. You organize the article very well and your writing ability is really wonderful. I hope one day I could write such good articles. I hope my English will be better and better.

[Environ Skincare]

I actually dont guess anyone has a definitive answer to that question but ultimately it comes down to that.

[CL outlet]

Direct mailing is an effective tool for businesses to develop and maintain relationships with potential customers as well as with existing clients.

[online computer store]

I really appreciate your post. It gives an outstanding idea that is very helpful for all the people on the web. Thanks for sharing this information and I'll love to read your next post too.

[knockoff handbags]

Thank your for sharing your wonderful article. I very agree with your views from here.

[mirabella make up]

Very useful information, many stuff I was looking for lol. Im definitely coming back for more to read up on so please continue to write about more intersting things

[Christina Comseceuticals]

baltimore can be a entirely competitive place to stimulate entanglement draft, it is urgent to on a worthy cobweb design presence

[Dermalogica Cream]

I indeed like this post, i did not materialize a a load of the things that you posted in here. i ahve much more new gen apropos these topics and topics allied to it. some people may find it implacable to understadn the english vernacular but i notice it moderately unreserved an eye to the solitariness that has roll in to be what is todays policy.

[replica louis vuitton handbags]

After read the article.I have just one word to say,you are so brilliant.I like all of your article.Well done.

[moncler down jackets]

A real lot of useful info here!These are all great comments here. Very cool article.

[Computer Hardware Store]

I indeed equivalent this assemblage, i did not pass a a loading of the things that you posted in here. i ahve much more new gen apropos these topics and topics confederation to it. few people may maturate it unrelenting to understand the land informal but i observance it middling demonstrative an eye to the isolation that has stray in to be what is today's policy.

Computer Hardware Store

[christmas flowers Russia]

I am really impressed by reading this article. In future, you should be giving information about it more. I must have to praise you for this extra ordinary piece of work.