Resolutions, resolutions

Of course, the compromise resolution favored by Democrats and a few Republicans failed to make it to a vote yesterday. I am unsure if the resolution was a wise move from a policy standpoint, and I think politically it was a mistake for the Democrats to push so hard for it. Yet, Congress should have a voice in this debate, and I welcome the idea of getting everyone on the record as to their position. And what is the alternative?

While I'm pleased Sen. McCain has finally had an epiphany when it comes to (at least what he thinks of as) benchmarks, the draft of his resolution is both uninspiring and useless. [Caution: This is only draft language at this point- the final text could be completely different.] After going through some language essentially about how important the situation is and how we must have "the fulfillment of military, political, and economic commitments that the Prime Minister of Iraq has made to the United States of America and to the people of Iraq." It spells out our expectations for the Iraqi government's commitments below:

(1) Deploying a significant number of new Iraqi security forces to partner with U.S. units in securing Baghdad;

(2) Assuming responsibility for security in all provinces in a timely manner;

(3) Disarming individual militias and ensuring security forces are accountable to the central government and loyal to the constitution of Iraq;

(4) Ensuring equitable distribution of government resources regardless of sect or ethnicity;

(5) Passing legislation to ensure that Iraq's oil resources benefit Sunni Arabs, Shia Arabs, Kurds, and other Iraqi citizens in an equitable manner, and implementing such legislation;

(6) Building an effective, independent judiciary that will uphold the rule of law and ensure equal protection under the law for all citizens of Iraq;

(7) Pursuing all those who engage in violence or threaten the security of the Iraqi population, regardless of sect or political affiliation;

(8) Passing and implementing new legislation that will reform the de-Ba'athification process;

(9) Conducting provincial elections;

(10) Ensuring a fair process for amending the constitution of Iraq;

(11) Expending promised funds to provide basic services and employment opportunities for all Iraqis, including a $10 billion fund for reconstruction, and ensuring that these funds reach Sunni areas, including Sunni neighborhoods in Baghdad and largely Sunni Anbar Province

Here we are again with out Christmas list idea. While he did not ask for Sen. McConnell's pony, the effect is about the same. Big list of good stuff for the Iraqis to do. No timetables. No dates. No consequences for failure. Ok, there are some consequences if the Iraqi government does not achieve these things: "it will lose the support of the American people and the people of Iraq."

Note to Sen. McCain- see these poll results about Americans' attitudes as well as these from Iraqis in November 2006 stating that"84% percent say they have little (22%) or no (62%) confidence in the U.S. military...78% say that the United States' military presence is 'provoking more conflict than it is preventing'...a majority (53%-23%, with the rest saying "no effect") saying a commitment from the US to withdraw on a timetable would strengthen the Iraqi government." The point is- our support is mostly gone already for this effort, especially on the ground among Iraqis.

Also, I read in another article which discussed the resolution as having it say something like we would "re-examine our policy" (at some indeterminate point in the future) if the Iraqi government failed in their tasks. Gee, that'll show 'em. The Maliki-led Iraqi government (indeed, democracy there at all) is new to many in that part of the world. Like any child, it needs a firm hand sometimes from the adults. We are failing in this role by letting them avoid time and again the actions they need to take and not holding them more firmly to deadlines. We're the parent saying "You stop that right now, or I'll...I'll...I'll..."re-examine" what to do!" It's ridiculous, and we are servings no-one by indulging them in their bad behavior. Our message needs to be loud and clear- this is our one last chance at this, and we will do our part. If you all don't, we're leaving and we'll turn out the lights behind us. Good night, and good luck.