Iraq in Trouble

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In some areas, American actions have helped Iraq to make giant steps toward transforming their government and society. However, America has become essential to Iraqi stability as the country still has continuing domestic problems, such as, having no stable protection force of their own, insurgent attacks and possible civil war. The problems within Iraq seem to be growing but, America seems to be stuck. If the United States were to depart from Iraq, the country would probably plunge into disarray and civil war.

As it stands, the Iraq's local security forces are not prepared to operate alone. Iraq is extremely dependent on the American troops for strength. Most of the Iraqi population resents the presence of American troops in Iraq, however, they are aware that if the U.S. were to pull out, then the country would fall into chaos. The Iraqi population certainly does not want an American presence in their country forever, but without a stable protection unit of their own they are unable to defend the country from insurgents. The training and recruitment for an Iraqi force is proving difficult as well. Not only have insurgents intensified their attacks on army recruitment centers with suicide bombers but also the Iraqi army lacks good quality firepower and armament. Often the insurgents have equal or better weapons. The American troops are attempting quality training but, the Iraqi Army lacks the same level of weapons. In their Newsweek article, Michael Hastings and Scott Johnson reported, "The Iraqi Army's casualties

are roughly five times those of Iraqi forces."(40) The Iraqi Army does not have the equipment or training to uphold the stability that the American army provides. However, if the Iraqi Army was given the same equipment and training as the American troops this could lead to arming a future enemy as the Iraqi people still hold much resentment for America. There is a lack of trust and commitment between the American and Iraqi troops which make the training of a strong Iraqi Army and the eventual exit of America seem a long way away.

While American troops provide a certain amount of stability the Iraqi people do not have basic security from those who want to undermine the developing country. Protection forces such as the police are also badly hit by insurgent attacks. Understandably American forces' main concerns are their protection and pursuing insurgents. The training and supplying of an Iraqi Army is difficult enough and added to that is the country's need for basic security departments that are essential to a functional government and economy.

Another large issue causing strife within Iraq is the conflict between the Sunni and Shiite Muslims. Although the majority of the population is Shiite, the Sunni have ruled them for many years. Over the decades the Shia have suffered much oppression and persecution from the varying Iraqi governments, in particular Saddam Husein; since