THE BATTLE HAS BEEN JOINED
The battle of the Sunni Triangle has finally been joined as more than 5000 US and, more importantly, Iraqi troops have moved in to secure the city. First reports are encouraging and there can be no doubt of the outcome.
This may be an attempt to preempt any effort by the terrorists to mount some kind of Iraqi version of a “Tet” offensive in hopes of affecting the American Presidential election. If so, it’s a brilliant tactic. If, in the next week or so, US and Iraqi troops being moving into other areas currently under the control of the terrorists, it should clear the way for the UN to set up the voter registration apparatus that will allow most of the sunnis to participate in the January elections. This is critical if the Iraqi government is to have “street cred” with people in those terrorist occupied cities.
What’s even more encouraging comes to us courtesy of Iraq The Model. They report that various elders of local tribes have pledged to assist the coalition in cleaning out not only Fallujah, but other areas as well.
“…sources confirmed that a meeting was held between the chiefs of Al Hamamda tribe in Ramadi, Al Juboor in Tikrit, Al Gareer in Yousufyia and a branch from Al Janabyeen in Latifyiah to discuss situations in Fallujah, the flow of terrorists from outside Iraq into the city and the role of clerics in provoking violence and justifying murder and kidnap in the name of Islam. The chiefs showed determination to end this situation either peacfuly or by force.”
This is good news indeed. It’s becoming more and more apparent that the Iraqi people are willing to fight for their freedom. Tribal loyalties in the sunni triangle are extrememly important. For years, these tribes benefited from the former regime as Saddam sought to cement his power by bestowing favors on tribes who demonstrated loyalty. And now the sunnis-who are more secular in their orientation-have pledged to fight with the new government to clear out the religious fanatics and jihadists who’ve taken over.
The coming offensive is going to be bloody. Already, indications in Samarrah are that dozens of civilians were killed along with the terrorists. I think the big question for Allawi and his government is will they be able to stay the course despite the innocent blood that’s going to be spilled. Looking at their track record in Najaf, I’m not very encouraged. However, it may be that this time Allawi means to see military action through to its conclusion.
I don’t think he has much choice…he’s running out of time.
UPDATE: Glen Anderson of Instapundit makes some good points with other links.