A Measure of the US's Unpopularity in Iraq

The Iraqi economy is in turmoil. The unemployment rate is estimated to be between 25 and 40 percent. However, economic stability is needed to help tamp down the insurgency and to restore civil order. So, the United States offers economic assistance to Iraqi businessmen to help move the economy along.

The problem with this -and its a big problem - is that any covert offers of US-based assistance may result in harassment or even death to the businessman and his/her family members. The US has devised a plan to help the Iraqi businessmen, and to keep them from running afoul of myriad insurgents, jihaddis and assorted mini-Saddams. From the Wall Street Journal:

"The only way things will work is if the U.S. contribution is totally invisible," says Maj. Christina Nagy, a civil-affairs officer from the 82nd Airborne Division. "I have people with higher ranks than me always wanting to have a ribbon cutting. I just listen and think, 'Sure, if you want the companies to get immediately shot or blown up.' "

So how can the US possibly stay invisible in a country where we have over 140,000 armed and very visible troops spread through large swaths of the country? The answer is you stage fake raids against the Iraqi businessmen the US is helping. It is described as hiding in plain sight. A side benefit is US troops can determine if the businessmen are spending the money properly during the raids.

While this may be move born of necessity, and helps minimize mayhem and destruction, it is also telling about just how unpopular this war is to many Iraqis. Are there any other examples where the US military must operate in such a furtive manner in order to accomplish the most basic of objectives? Surely the insurgents are going to catch on this little sleight of hand.

Iraq is truly a FUBAR wrapped in an enigma.

Article Author: Ron West

Ron West, 45, lives in Davis, CA with his wife and three kids.

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